What does a high D-dimer level mean?

A positive D-dimer result may indicate the presence of an abnormally high level of fibrin degradation products. It indicates that there may be significant blood clot (thrombus) formation and breakdown in the body, but it does not tell the location or cause.

What conditions cause elevated D-dimer?

Additionally, D-dimer levels may be elevated in the setting of pregnancy, inflammation, malignancy, trauma, postsurgical treatment, liver disease (decreased clearance), and heart disease. It is also frequently high in hospitalized patients.

How long is D-dimer elevated after heart surgery?

After OPCAB, patients have a higher level of D-dimer. And this lasts for a long period (about 3 months). It may reflect a certain degree of hypercoagulable and hyperfibrinolytic state after OPCAB. Keywords: Angina pectoris; Cardiac surgery; Coagulation.

What are the exceptions to a high D-dimer level?

However, an elevated D-dimer level always does not point towards blood clotting. Here are the exceptions where fibrin formation and breakdown may take place due to which the D-dimer levels are unusually found to be high. 1. Pregnancy 2. A recent surgery 3. Heart disease

When is D-dimer found in the blood?

D-dimer Normal Range D-dimer, a small protein fragment, is found in blood only during the clotting process; otherwise it is normally undetected. When its presence in the blood rises, it suggests an increase in the formation and breakdown of clots.

When to use D-dimer in pediatric patients?

D-dimer should not be used as an aid for exclusion of venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in pediatric patients in any circumstance and adult patients with 6-8: • Therapeutic dose anticoagulant administered for >24 hours before D-dimer is measured

How does D-dimer concentration change with age?

D-dimer levels are known to increase with age; eg, median D-dimer levels in apparently healthy men aged 75 to 79 are about twice as high as in men aged 60 to 64. 19 This increase in the basal D-dimer concentration is responsible for the decrease in the specificity of D-dimer measurements for exclusion of VTE in the elderly.