D-dimer
In medicine, D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product after coagulation.
Immunologic tests for d-dimer are generally use immunoassays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or serologic tests such as agglutination tests. Immunoassays tend to be more sensitive while agglutination tests (such as the SimpliRED) tend to be more specific.[1]
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.[2] In an observation study that collected the D-dimer before stopping anticoagulation, the D-dimer was not as predictive.[3]
References
- ↑ Stein PD, Hull RD, Patel KC, et al. (April 2004). "D-dimer for the exclusion of acute venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a systematic review". Ann. Intern. Med. 140 (8): 589–602. PMID 15096330. [e]
- ↑ 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. CMAJ. 2008 Aug 26;179(5):417-426.