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D-Dimer

D-Dimer · Fibrin-Abbauprodukt

Gerinnung
Einheit:
mg/L

D-Dimer quantifies the presence of fibrin degradation products resulting from plasmin-mediated breakdown of cross-linked fibrin.

Reference Ranges

Reference
00.5mg/L
0
0.5
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · mg/L

Age-adjusted cutoffs may apply; levels can increase with age.

Overview

Übersicht

D-Dimer is a fibrin degradation product that emerges from the breakdown of cross-linked fibrin by plasmin, serving as a biomarker for coagulation activation and secondary fibrinolysis. Clinically, D-Dimer is pivotal in ruling out venous thromboembolism (VTE) and assessing the risk of VTE recurrence, as well as determining the duration of anticoagulant therapy. Elevated D-Dimer levels are also associated with conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, infections, and cancers. In athletic performance and biohacking, D-Dimer's relevance is less direct, though its elevation can occur due to strenuous physical activity, reflecting transient coagulation activation. Researchers have observed that D-Dimer levels can be influenced by physiological conditions like aging and pregnancy, and are subject to preanalytical and analytical variables, such as assay type and sample handling. These factors must be considered to avoid misinterpretation of results.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated D-Dimer levels can indicate active coagulation and fibrinolysis, often used to rule out VTE. High levels may also suggest increased risk of VTE recurrence, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or other pathological states.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising D-Dimer values suggest ongoing coagulation and fibrinolysis, warranting further investigation for thrombotic events.

Falling Values

Decreasing D-Dimer levels may indicate resolution of coagulation activation.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • venous thromboembolism
  • disseminated intravascular coagulation
  • cancer
  • infection
  • pregnancy
  • aging
Cause

Low Levels

  • low fibrin formation
  • hypofibrinolysis
  • anticoagulant therapy
  • liver dysfunction
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • regular moderate exercise
  • stress management
  • adequate hydration
Lever

Nutrition

  • balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • omega-3 fatty acids

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if on anticoagulant therapy.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

Testing Frequency

As clinically indicated, especially in cases of suspected VTE.

Interfering Factors

  • recent surgery
  • trauma
  • pregnancy

Related Markers

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference ranges for D-dimer may need further refinement, particularly with age-adjusted cutoffs and the impact of confounding factors such as pregnancy and cancer. Researchers have not yet established optimal D-dimer targets for various patient populations, especially in the context of COVID-19. Unanswered clinical questions include the precise prognostic implications of elevated D-dimer levels across diverse disease states and the effectiveness of antithrombotic therapy in high-risk subgroups.

24 Research Publications

837

Total Citations

5

Human/RCT

3.4

Avg. Influence

2026

Latest

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#01

D-dimer testing in laboratory practice.

ReviewInfluence11.0
190
Researchers reviewed the clinical utility of D-dimer as a marker of thrombus formation and its limitations due to high levels in non-thrombotic conditions. The study highlighted D-dimer's role in diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE) and monitoring disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Key findings include the importance of combining D-dimer results with clinical assessments for accurate diagnosis.
View on PubMed
#02

D-dimer: Preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical variables, and clinical applications.

ReviewInfluence7.0
188
This study focused on D-dimer as a biomarker for coagulation and fibrinolysis, particularly in ruling out venous thromboembolism (VTE). Researchers reviewed factors affecting D-dimer measurement and its clinical applications, including assessing VTE recurrence risk. The review emphasized the need for standardized testing and interpretation across various clinical settings.
View on PubMed
#03

D-Dimer elevation and adverse outcomes.

Halaby Rim, et al. · Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis · 2015

ReviewInfluence2.0
122
This study examined the prognostic significance of elevated D-dimer levels, finding that they are associated with increased risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and mortality. Researchers observed that elevated D-dimer levels indicate a high-risk subgroup of medically ill patients, warranting further evaluation of antithrombotic therapy. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring D-dimer in clinical practice.

Key findings

  1. 01Elevated D-Dimer is associated with a higher risk of developing new blood clots.
  2. 02Higher D-Dimer levels are linked to an increased chance of recurrent blood clots.
  3. 03An elevated D-Dimer is independently correlated with a greater risk of mortality across various health conditions.
View on PubMed
#04

How we manage a high D-dimer.

ReviewInfluence1.0
73
This study examined the management of patients with high D-dimer levels, which can indicate various conditions beyond venous thromboembolism (VTE), including aging and pregnancy. Researchers found that hematologists often encounter patients with elevated D-dimer without thrombus symptoms, necessitating careful management. The review highlights the importance of understanding the context of elevated D-dimer levels in clinical practice.
View on PubMed
#05

D-Dimer Testing: Laboratory Aspects and Current Issues.

ReviewInfluence1.0
64
Researchers addressed the technical aspects and challenges of D-dimer testing in laboratory settings. The review highlighted the importance of understanding D-dimer physiology and the need for harmonization of testing methods. Key findings include the role of D-dimer in diagnosing systemic coagulation disorders and its impact on reducing unnecessary radiological investigations.
View on PubMed
#06

Correlation of D-dimer and Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients.

Case ReportInfluence2.0
51
This study explored the correlation between D-dimer levels and outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Researchers found that higher D-dimer values were associated with increased rates of intubation and mortality. The findings suggest that monitoring D-dimer trends may help in early intervention strategies.
View on PubMed
#07

Disorders of Fibrinogen and Fibrinolysis.

ReviewInfluence1.0
42
Researchers summarized the role of fibrinogen in coagulation and its relationship to disorders of fibrin(ogen) and fibrinolysis. The review discussed laboratory evaluations for fibrin(ogen) disorders and management strategies for both congenital and acquired conditions. Key findings include the importance of fibrinogen in clot stabilization and its implications for hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders.
View on PubMed
#08

D-dimer testing: A narrative review.

Review
33
Researchers reviewed D-dimer as a biomarker for coagulation and fibrinolysis, primarily for ruling out venous thromboembolism (VTE). The study highlighted the importance of preanalytical and postanalytical variables affecting D-dimer measurement and its applications in various clinical contexts, including pregnancy and cancer. The review stressed the need for adherence to regulatory guidelines in D-dimer testing.
View on PubMed
#09

Clinical Significance of Plasma D-Dimer in COVID-19 Mortality.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence5.0
29
This meta-analysis investigated the role of D-dimer as a predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Researchers found that high D-dimer levels were associated with poor prognosis, establishing it as an independent predictor of mortality. The study identified potential cutoff values for clinical use, emphasizing the importance of D-dimer monitoring in managing COVID-19 patients.
View on PubMed
#10

Decision-Making with D-Dimer in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism.

ReviewInfluence1.0
21
This review focused on the role of D-dimer in diagnosing pulmonary embolism. Researchers found that D-dimer measurement, when combined with clinical assessment, can aid in safely discharging patients and reducing unnecessary interventions. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate decision-making in clinical practice.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about D-Dimer over time

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