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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
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[Clinical Confusion Concerning Increased D-Dimer Value during Pregnancy]
Lian Duan1, Guo-Lin He1,2
1Department of Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China.
Summary
Plasma D-dimer levels increase during pregnancy, making standard reference values for venous thrombosis screening inapplicable. Establishing pregnancy-specific D-dimer values is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of conditions like venous thromboembolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Hematology
Background:
- Plasma D-dimer, a fibrin degradation product, naturally elevates with gestational age.
- Traditional D-dimer reference values (≤0.5 mg/L) are unsuitable for pregnant individuals.
- Lack of standardized detection methods and units hinders universal pregnancy D-dimer reference values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review D-dimer generation and measurement.
- To discuss D-dimer reference values in normal pregnancy.
- To explore the association between D-dimer and pathological pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of D-dimer generation, measurement, and clinical associations.
- Analysis of existing studies on D-dimer levels during pregnancy and puerperium.
- Synthesis of data regarding D-dimer in venous thromboembolism, gestational hypertensive disorders, and pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- D-dimer levels increase progressively throughout gestation.
- Establishing region-specific D-dimer reference values for different gestational weeks is recommended.
- D-dimer shows associations with venous thromboembolism, gestational hypertensive disorders, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians need to understand pregnancy-specific D-dimer dynamics.
- Localized reference ranges are essential for accurate interpretation of D-dimer tests in pregnant populations.
- Further research is needed to standardize D-dimer assessment in obstetrics.
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