Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (928 page)

   It may be used to determine the severity and evolution of DIC by performing serial determinations.

   Because of the initial elevation of fibrinogen, its determination is not useful in the
diagnosis
of DIC.

   Interpretation

   Severe fibrinogen deficiency may prolong PT, PTT, and TT.

Increased In
^†

   Acute inflammatory/infectious processes

   Cancer

   Pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives

   Older age

   Early DIC

Decreased In

   Congenital afibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia.

   Dysfibrinogenemia (congenital or acquired).

   DIC and pathologic fibrinolysis. Fibrinogen is consumed after initial eleva

tion as an acute-phase reactant.

   Very advanced liver disease.