Fibrinogen

Background

• Glycoprotein (Factor I) produced by the liver; precursor to fibrin in the coagulation cascade
• Acute-phase reactant

Normal Values

• Normal: 200-400 mg/dL

Interpretation

• Low fibrinogen (<200 mg/dL): DIC, massive hemorrhage, liver failure, thrombolytic therapy, dilution from massive transfusion
  • Critical level: <100 mg/dL requires replacement with cryoprecipitate (goal >150-200 mg/dL in active bleeding)
• Elevated fibrinogen: acute-phase reactant (infection, inflammation, malignancy, pregnancy)
• Important to monitor in DIC, massive transfusion, and postpartum hemorrhage

See Also

• DIC
• Coagulation Studies
• Massive transfusion
• Cryoprecipitate