Fibrinogen is a protein synthesized by the liver. Fibrinogen is required for the formation of fibrin, which is responsible for clotting of blood.

Deficiency of fibrinogen

Deficiency of fibrinogen results in the non formation of clots when there is an injury to the body. This results excessive bleeding through, which may lead to death.

There are two types of fibrinogen deficiencies, quantitative and qualitative. In quantitative deficiency, the required amount of fibrinogen is not produced. In qualitative deficiency, the quality of fibrinogen produced is low, which cannot perform its function properly.

Fibrinogen deficiency is usually hereditary. Some other which might lead to fibrinogen deficiency are smoking and certain medications.

Excess fibrinogen

Excess fibrinogen results in unnecessary clotting of blood in the body. This condition is also known as thrombosis. Excess fibrinogen may also result in hemorrhages. It is also linked with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Other information

Fibrinogen is an acute phase reactant, meaning that fibrinogen concentrations may rise sharply in any condition that causes inflammation or tissue damage. Elevated concentrations of fibrinogen are not specific — they do not tell the doctor the cause or location of the disturbance. Usually these elevations in the fibrinogen blood level are temporary, returning to normal after the underlying condition has been resolved. Elevated levels may be seen with:

• Acute infections
• Cancer
• Coronary heart disease, Myocardial infarction
• Stroke
• Inflammatory disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis and glomerulonephritis)
• Trauma

While fibrinogen levels are elevated, a person’s risk of developing a blood clot may be increased and, over time, they could contribute to an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.