Le fibrinogen is a protein blood which plays a role in coagulation. He participates in the training of blood clots and also modulates the activity of blood platelets and cell of the vessels. Under the action of another protein, the thrombin, it turns into fibrin

It is synthesized by the cells of the liver. Its level in the blood normally varies from 2 to 4 g / l. However, the synthesis of this protein may increase as a result of stress, during pregnancy, or after injecting certain medications or growth hormone. An increase in the level of fibrinogen in the blood is also indicative of an inflammatory condition.

The fibrinogen assay is indicated to screen for a blood clotting disorder (for example in case of unexplained bleeding or ” defibrination syndrome », Corresponding to a coagulation abnormality).

There are three birth defects in fibrinogen levels:

• THEafibrinogenemia, which is the complete absence of fibrinogen. This rare disease causes severe bleeding that occurs from birth
• THEhypofibrinogenemia, corresponding to a decrease in the level of fibrinogen in the blood (this is a defect in secretion, most often)
• La dysfibrinogenemia, which is an abnormality of the protein.

Blood fibrinogen testing can also be useful in cases of:

• inflammatory syndrome
• liver failure (leading to a decrease in fibrinogen levels)
• to monitor the effect of a so-called “fibrinolytic” treatment, intended to dissolve a blood clot in the event of thrombosis.

The dosage of fibrinogen is done on a venous blood sample (blood test), in a medical analysis laboratory. Dosage is a routine measurement and results are usually obtained within the day.

The doctor is the only one who can interpret the results of the analysis.

Usually, an excess of fibrinogen (hyperfibrinogenemia) can be observed in case of inflammation, in case of certain infectious diseases (pneumonia, etc.), in case of rheumatic fever or autoimmune diseases (lupus), after a myocardial infarction, etc.

Conversely, hypofibrinogenemia (decrease in fibrinogen level) may reflect a genetic disease, severe liver failure (hepatitis, cirrhosis), coagulation disorders (disseminated intravascular coagulation or defibrination syndrome ) or “fibrinolysis”, for example due to cancer.