Determinants of plasma D-dimer levels in a traveling population.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Plasma D-dimer measurement is a widely used diagnostic test for assessing individuals with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE). Whilst a negative test is helpful in ruling out thrombosis, the significance and determinants of an elevated plasma D-dimer level in otherwise healthy subjects are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the association between recognized risk factors for VTE and plasma D-dimer levels in an adult population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Blood samples for measurement of plasma D-dimer levels were obtained from 1000 adults aged <70 years who were participating in a study investigating the incidence of VTE in long distance air travellers. The relationship between D-dimer levels and selected risks factors for VTE including thrombophilia status was investigated.

RESULTS:

The median (Inter-quartile range) D-dimer level was 243 ng mL(-1) (175-345). Multivariate analysis showed that plasma D-dimer levels were positively associated with increasing age, larger body mass index, female gender, the use of hormone therapy, thrombophilia state, and the presence of co-morbid conditions.

CONCLUSION:

Plasma D-dimer levels vary markedly between individuals and are associated with known risk factors for VTE, including the presence of thrombophilia conditions. The potential role for the measurement of plasma D-dimer as a marker for thrombosis risk requires further investigation.

• Authors: R Hughes, K Thomson, R Hopkins, M Weatherall, C Wiltshire, M Wilsher, R Beasley
• Journal: Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH (J Thromb Haemost) Vol. 3 Issue 11 Pg. 2445-8 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 1538-7933 [Print] England
• PMID: 16241942 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products
• fibrin fragment D

Topics

• Age Factors
• Body Mass Index
• Female
• Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products (analysis)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• New Zealand
• Risk Factors
• Sex Factors
• Thromboembolism (blood, diagnosis, epidemiology)
• Travel
• Venous Thrombosis (blood, diagnosis, epidemiology)