Soluble fibrin complexes in early fibrin digests

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Early fibrin digests contain soluble fibrin complexes.
• These complexes share similarities with intermediate polymers found in inhibited clotting systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize early fibrin digests.
• To identify a rapid method for detecting soluble fibrin complexes in plasma.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of early fibrin digests using ultracentrifugation.
• Measurement of plasma and serum viscosity at low shear rates.
• Assessment of the effect of soluble fibrin complexes on fibrinogen clotting time.

Main Results:

• Soluble fibrin complexes with molecular weights up to 3 x 10(6) were identified.
• These complexes exhibit extremely high viscosity at low shear rates.
• The presence of these complexes significantly shortens the thrombin time of fibrinogen.

Conclusions:

• Soluble fibrin complexes are present in early fibrin digests.
• Plasma and serum viscosity at low shear rates can serve as a rapid indicator for these complexes.
• Soluble fibrin complexes impact blood coagulation parameters.