Fibrin monomer as a test for intravascular coagulation

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Intravascular coagulation is a critical complication in obstetric patients.
• Accurate diagnostic tests are essential for timely intervention.
• Soluble fibrin monomer complexes are indicators of coagulation activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the protamine sulfate precipitation test for soluble fibrin monomer complexes.
• To assess the test's correlation with clinical conditions in obstetric patients.
• To determine the incidence of positive results in various obstetric scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Protamine sulfate precipitation assay was used to quantify soluble fibrin monomer complexes.
• Approximately 500 obstetric patients were included in the study.
• Samples were analyzed from normal pregnancies, abruptio placentae, and post-procedural states.

Main Results:

• Less than 1% of normal pregnancy samples were positive.
• 84% of abruptio placentae samples tested positive.
• Positive results were observed in 24% after hypertonic saline and 33% after prostaglandin administration for abortion, with only 3% positive after prostaglandin administration.

Conclusions:

• The protamine sulfate precipitation test is a simple and rapid method for detecting intravascular coagulation.
• The test shows good correlation with disseminated intravascular coagulation but is typically negative in thromboembolic phenomena.
• The assay is highly sensitive for abruptio placentae and useful in specific obstetric interventions.