Fibrinogen

[ttt]

I just got my fibrinogen tested, and I thought CFS was associated with high fibrinogen, but my fibrinogen is actually low -- 151 (193-507). Does anyone know what it means when fibrinogen is low?

 

[Valentijn]

I just got my fibrinogen tested, and I thought CFS was associated with high fibrinogen, but my fibrinogen is actually low -- 151 (193-507). Does anyone know what it means when fibrinogen is low?

From wikipedia:

Low levels of fibrinogen can indicate a systemic activation of the clotting system, with consumption of clotting factors faster than synthesis. This excessive clotting factor consumption condition is known as disseminated intravascular coagulation or "DIC."

 

[LaurieL]

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/disorders-of-fibrinogen

Low levels are usually associated with an "acquired" deficiency state. As far as CFS/ME, the high levels are most talked about, but the commonality is a abnormal coagulation state. So you may not fall into the most often category, you still have the general tendency. There are other values that should be looked at alongside this one. Liver testing would also be appropriate.

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/fibrinogen/tab/test

LaurieL

 

[biophile]

CFS and hypercoagulation? You may be thinking of high fibrin and low fibrinogen, since fibrin is formed from fibrinogen. Excessive conversion may be causing the low levels?

 

[ttt]

I love this forum -- there are so many smart people here. OK, but I'm not entirely sure I understand these responses. So I'm getting that low fibrinogen could be a problem. Does this mean, though, that I should get my fibrin tested at the same time to see if the reason my fibrinogen is low is because it's being over-converted to fibrin? And also get my liver tested to see if that's the problem? What are some tests for liver function?

Valentijn, I'm not sure if I understand that Wikipedia blurb, but is it basically saying the same thing that biophile is saying -- that I'm overconverting fibrinogen to fibrin?

 

[Sushi]

ttt

The best test is probably the ISAC panel as it is made for ME/CFS patients. http://www.esoterix.com/files/Esoterix_ISA_Instructions_9.10.pdf

http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diffdx/hypercoagulation.html

Sushi

 

[ttt]

Thanx, Sushi. I didn't really understand that second article (if you understand it, I'd love a dumbed down translation), but I looked up the tests on the ISAC profile, and I'm gonna have my doctor order them. Thank you!

 

[Valentijn]

Valentijn, I'm not sure if I understand that Wikipedia blurb, but is it basically saying the same thing that biophile is saying -- that I'm overconverting fibrinogen to fibrin?

I think so, though no idea if that's the only explanation for it. But in any case, low = bad