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Fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products in cerebrospinal fluid
Abstract:
An increase in low molecular weight fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) was demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 17 of 18 patients with bacterial or viral meningitis compared with 29 patients without meningitis. The CSF also showed an increase in coagulation proteins of molecular weight less than 90000 (factors VII, IX, and plasminogen) but did not contain fibrinogen (MW 340000) or plasminogen activator. It is concluded that low molecular weight FDP in the CSF in infective meningitis result from leakage through a damaged blood-CSF barrier rather than from local digestion of fibrin deposited on the meninges.
Insights
Low molecular weight fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during meningitis. This suggests leakage across a damaged blood-CSF barrier, not local fibrin digestion.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Meningitis involves inflammation of the meninges.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition can indicate neurological conditions.
- Fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) are markers of coagulation activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and origin of low molecular weight FDP in CSF during meningitis.
- To differentiate between systemic and local coagulation processes in infectious meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CSF from patients with bacterial/viral meningitis and controls.
- Measurement of low molecular weight FDP and coagulation proteins in CSF using biochemical assays.
Main Results:
- Elevated low molecular weight FDP detected in CSF of 17/18 meningitis patients.
- Increased levels of coagulation factors VII, IX, and plasminogen observed in meningitis CSF.
- Absence of intact fibrinogen and plasminogen activator in meningitis CSF.
Conclusions:
- Low molecular weight FDP in CSF during meningitis likely results from blood-CSF barrier damage.
- Findings indicate passive leakage of FDP rather than local fibrin breakdown within the meninges.