D-dimer
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
In medicine, D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product after coagulation.
Using D-dimer to determine duration of anticoagulation treatment
An abnormal D-dimer level at the end of treatment might signal the need for continued anticoagulation with warfarin among patients with embolism and thrombosis such as a first unprovoked pulmonary embolism. If the D-dimer is abnormal, anticoaguation should be continued, if the D-dimer is normal, the duration of treatment is uncertain.[1] In an observation study that collected the D-dimer before stopping anticoagulation, the D-dimer was not as predictive.[2]
References
- ↑ Palareti G, Cosmi B, Legnani C, et al (2006). "D-dimer testing to determine the duration of anticoagulation therapy". N. Engl. J. Med. 355 (17): 1780-9. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa054444. PMID 17065639. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Rodger MA, Kahn SR, Wells PS, Anderson DA, Chagnon I, Le Gal G, et al. [Identifying unprovoked thromboembolism patients at low risk for recurrence who can discontinue anticoagulant therapy http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/179/5/417]. CMAJ. 2008 Aug 26;179(5):417-426.