Elevated Fibrinogen

An increase in plasma fibrinogen concentration above the reference range (2.0-4.0 g/L or 200-400 mg/dL), reflecting increased hepatic synthesis of this acute-phase coagulation factor and often indicating systemic inflammation or a hypercoagulable state associated with increased cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk.

Causes

• Acute-phase response: Systemic inflammation, infection

• Tissue injury: Trauma, surgery, burns

• Hypercoagulable states: Cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism

• Pregnancy

• Advanced age

• Cigarette smoking

• Medications: Oral contraceptives, corticosteroids

• Other causes

  • Malignancy

  • Obesity

  • Nephrotic syndrome