D-dimer: a dimer byproduct resulting from fibrinolysis; produced by cross linkage of d-domain fibrin monomers by activated factor XIII, fibrin stabilizing factor; present in low levels in normal animals, but found at particularly high levels in association with thrombotic and hemostatic disorders; assayed as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in conditions such as malignant neoplasia, infectious disease, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, hyperadrenocorticism, pulmonary thromboembolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC. d-dimer production requires both plasmin and thrombin activation. Note that generation of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) requires only plasmin action on fibrin or fibrinogen. d-dimers clear through urinary excretion, so assay may show falsely increased levels during renal dysfunction. Laboratory ELISA measurement can identify fibrinolysis.
Source: Stedman's Medical Spellchecker, © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
These medical condition or symptom topics may be relevant to medical information for D-dimer:
Search to find out more about D-dimer:
|
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
