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D-Dimer

D-Dimer · Fibrin-Abbauprodukt

Gerinnung
Einheit:
mg/L FEU

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

Reference Ranges

Reference
0–0.5mg/L FEU
0
0.5
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · mg/L FEU

Ranges can vary based on age and clinical context; age-adjusted cutoffs are often used.

Overview

Übersicht

D-Dimer is a fibrin degradation product that emerges from the plasmin-induced breakdown of cross-linked fibrin, serving as a biomarker for coagulation activation and secondary fibrinolysis. Researchers have found it instrumental in ruling out venous thromboembolism (VTE) and assessing the risk of VTE recurrence, as well as determining the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy. Elevated D-Dimer levels can also indicate various disorders, including disseminated intravascular coagulation, infectious diseases, and cancer. In athletic and biohacking contexts, D-Dimer levels may rise due to strenuous physical activity, reflecting temporary coagulation activation without pathological significance. However, the interpretation of D-Dimer levels must consider confounding factors such as age, pregnancy, and recent exercise. Researchers have observed that preanalytical variables, assay performance, and postanalytical variables like age-adjusted cutoffs can influence D-Dimer measurements. Therefore, standardized testing protocols are crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated D-Dimer levels suggest active coagulation and fibrinolysis, often associated with conditions like VTE, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and certain cancers. Normal levels help rule out VTE in patients with low clinical probability.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising D-Dimer values may indicate increasing thrombotic activity or worsening of an underlying condition. Re-test in 1-2 weeks if clinically indicated.

Falling Values

Falling D-Dimer values suggest resolution of thrombotic activity or effective anticoagulation therapy.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Venous thromboembolism
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation
  • Infectious diseases
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Strenuous physical activity
Cause

Low Levels

  • Low likelihood of thrombotic event
  • Effective anticoagulation therapy
  • Normal fibrinolytic activity
  • Low baseline fibrin formation
  • Young age
  • Absence of acute illness
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular moderate exercise
  • Stress management
  • Adequate hydration
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • High fiber intake
  • Adequate vitamin K

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if on anticoagulation therapy.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive

Testing Frequency

As clinically indicated, especially in suspected thrombotic events.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent surgery
  • Acute illness
  • Pregnancy
  • Advanced age

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that there is a lack of standardization in D-dimer testing and reporting, leading to confusion regarding reference ranges and optimal targets across different populations. Researchers have not yet established the impact of confounding factors such as age, pregnancy, and comorbidities on D-dimer levels in diverse clinical settings. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the optimal management strategies for patients with elevated D-dimer levels but no clear thromboembolic events.

42 Research Publications

1,373

Total Citations

15

Human/RCT

3.5

Avg. Influence

2026

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

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

ReviewInfluence7.0
196
This study reviewed the various factors affecting D-dimer measurement and its clinical applications. Researchers found that D-dimer is increasingly used to assess VTE recurrence risk and to aid in anticoagulation treatment duration decisions. The review emphasizes the need to consider preanalytical and postanalytical variables when interpreting D-dimer results.
View on PubMed
#02

D-dimer testing in laboratory practice.

ReviewInfluence13.0
192
Researchers found that while D-dimer is a sensitive marker for thrombus formation, it can also be elevated in non-thrombotic conditions, affecting its predictive value. The study emphasizes D-dimer's utility in diagnosing and managing various thrombosis-related conditions. The review concludes that D-dimer can safely exclude VTE in symptomatic outpatients when combined with clinical probability assessment.
View on PubMed
#03

Clinical significance of plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen in digestive cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence2.0
128
Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma D-dimer in digestive cancers. They found that elevated D-dimer levels correlate with worse overall survival, particularly in colorectal cancer, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for cancer prognosis.
View on PubMed
#04

D-Dimer elevation and adverse outcomes.

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

ReviewInfluence3.0
124
This study examined the prognostic significance of elevated D-dimer levels in various medical conditions. Researchers found that high D-dimer levels are associated with increased risks of venous thromboembolism and mortality, indicating that patients with elevated D-dimer may require closer monitoring and evaluation.

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
#05

Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays Reverted to Positive in 25 Discharged Patients With COVID-19.

HumanInfluence7.0
120
Researchers observed that 14.5% of discharged COVID-19 patients had positive RT-PCR tests again, indicating potential virus recrudescence. The study found correlations between laboratory parameters, treatment duration, and time to illness resolution, suggesting the need for careful monitoring.
View on PubMed
#06

How we manage a high D-dimer.

ReviewInfluence2.0
97
This study examined the management of high D-dimer levels in individuals without signs of thrombus formation. Researchers found that elevated D-dimer can arise from various physiological conditions and disorders, necessitating careful evaluation by hematologists. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of elevated D-dimer levels in clinical practice.
View on PubMed
#07

How to use D-dimer in acute cardiovascular care.

ReviewInfluence5.0
87
This study highlighted the importance of D-dimer testing in acute cardiovascular care. Researchers found that while D-dimer is useful for excluding venous thromboembolic events, the lack of standardized assays necessitates careful interpretation of results in clinical practice.
View on PubMed
#08

D-Dimer Testing: Laboratory Aspects and Current Issues.

ReviewInfluence1.0
64
Researchers found that D-dimer testing has significantly reduced the need for radiological investigations in ruling out VTE. The study discusses the importance of understanding technical issues related to D-dimer testing and the need for harmonization of immunoassays. The review highlights D-dimer's role in diagnosing systemic coagulation disorders, particularly disseminated intravascular coagulation.
View on PubMed
#09

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

HumanInfluence3.0
55
This study investigated the correlation between D-dimer levels and outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Researchers found that higher admission and peak D-dimer values were associated with increased rates of intubation and mortality. Monitoring D-dimer trends may provide opportunities for early intervention.
View on PubMed
#10

Disorders of Fibrinogen and Fibrinolysis.

ReviewInfluence1.0
42
Researchers summarized the role of fibrinogen in coagulation and its disorders, which can lead to both bleeding and thrombotic complications. The review discusses laboratory evaluations for fibrinogen disorders and management strategies for congenital and acquired conditions. Key findings include the importance of fibrinogen in clot formation and the need for accurate diagnostic assays.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (10)

10

Total Trials

1,746

Total Enrolled

D-TECT: Pretreatment D-dimers and Disease Control in Advanced cSCC Treated With Cemiplimab

NCT07684066NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

Enrollment

116

Started

2026

Primary outcome

Disease Control Rate Within the First 6 Months of Cemiplimab Treatment

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC)Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell CarcinomaMetastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Assessment of D-dimer and CRP for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Hemodialysis Patients

NCT07130721NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Assiut University

Enrollment

100

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Serum CRP level among hemodialysis patients

End Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis

Predictive Value of Modified Caprini Score and D-Dimer in Managing Lower Limb Venous Thrombosis in Cardiothoracic Patients

NCT06729021RECRUITING
Sponsor

Al-Nahrain University

Enrollment

112

Started

2025

Primary outcome

any episode of VTE (Venous Thromboembolism)

DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis

Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Aortic Dissection in the Emergency Department

Sponsor

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Enrollment

47

Started

2023

Primary outcome

Serum levels of D-Dimer, Aggrecan and Desmosine

Aortic Dissection

BNP, Serum Troponin and D-dimer as Risk Factors in Patients With COVID-19

Sponsor

Assiut University

Enrollment

90

Started

2020

Primary outcome

Measurement of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide, troponin-I and D-dimer in COVID-19 patients

COVID-19

Coagulopathy and Vasculopathy Assessment as a Predictor of the Severity of SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Infection

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrollment

1,000

Started

2020

Primary outcome

Measure D-dimers (ng/ml) to study coagulopathy to characterize COVID-19

COVID-19SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Serum Level of Ferritin and D-dimer and the Severity of (COVID 19) Infection

NCT05672810COMPLETED
Sponsor

Ain Shams University

Enrollment

150

Started

2020

Primary outcome

Mortality

COVID-19

Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: Biomarkers and Clinical Predictive Models

NCT02709174COMPLETED
Sponsor

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Enrollment

59

Started

2014

Primary outcome

Serum D-dimer levels (ug/ml)

Pulmonary Embolism

Detecting the Impact of Statin Therapy On Lowering Risk of Venous Thrombo-Embolic Events (DISOLVE)

NCT01524653Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Vermont

Enrollment

38

Started

2012

Primary outcome

To determine if rosuvastatin therapy reduces the risk of VTE in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, as measured by a decrease in D-dimer level with treatment compared to placebo

Venous ThromboembolismDeep Vein ThrombosisNeoplasms

Sickle Cell Trait and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

NCT01148940TERMINATED
Sponsor

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Enrollment

34

Started

2010

Primary outcome

D-Dimer Levels Than in Black Women With Hb AA and White Women With Hb AA.

Thrombosis

Publication Trend

Research publications about D-Dimer over time

7total
1
'18
1
'19
3
'21
2
'23

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