The percentage of fibrinogen in the blood increases during pregnancy, and this increase is somewhat normal. Does fibrinogen have any connection to miscarriage?
The following article discusses the link between fibrinogen and miscarriage:
Fibrinogen and miscarriage: what is the relationship?
The breakdown of fibrinogen, a protein known as factor 1, which is necessary for proper blood clot formation and stopping bleeding, is one of the physiological changes that pregnant women experience.
In the event of wounds and vascular injuries, the enzyme thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin to form clots.
As women with abnormal fibrinogen levels are more likely to experience bleeding, clots, and their complications during pregnancy and after childbirth, as well as a higher risk of recurrent pregnancy loss and placental abruption, studies are currently being conducted to evaluate the effect of monitoring the concentration of fibrinogen in pregnant women in preventing miscarriage and recurrence.
The connection between abnormal fibrinogen levels and miscarriage is explained as follows:
- Fibrinogen deficiency and miscarriage
The lack of fibrinogen blood during pregnancy may lead to spontaneous abortion, according to studies, as the syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation is one of the most common causes of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and the puerperium. fibrin degradation, which causes clots.
The result of fibrin breakdown is a substance known as D-dimer. Increased levels of this substance help to stop muscle contraction, which causes bleeding and abortion. Pregnancy loss associated with low fibrinogen and miscarriage occurs between the fifth and eighth weeks unless the pregnant woman is provided with fibrinogen replacement therapy.
Concentrated fibrinogen or frozen blood containing blood plasma are used to treat fibrinogen deficiency during pregnancy (cryoprecipitate). Between the fourth and fifth week of pregnancy and delivery, these treatments are administered as a preventative measure while the fibrinogen concentration is routinely checked once every two weeks. The recommended dose may be increased by the doctor with progression. pregnancy.
- Increased fibrinogen and miscarriage
According to some studies, increased levels of clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, are linked to miscarriage, and women who are at higher risk of clotting during pregnancy should consider using anticoagulant therapies.
The role of fibrinogen in pregnancy
Due to the possibility of ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation of the egg in the uterine wall, as well as subsequent miscarriage in women who experience a loss of fibrinogen blood, fibrinogen plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy.
The main function of fibrinogen is to ensure that the placenta enters the uterus safely and securely. Increases in fibrinogen and clotting factors also provide protection for pregnant women against bleeding, particularly bleeding brought on by placental abruption.
Normal fibrinogen changes during pregnancy
As the concentration of fibrinogen rises during pregnancy from 2-4 g/L to 4-6 g/L and its solubility in the blood decreases for the following reasons, the concentrations of many clotting factors naturally and safely increase.
1. Increased inhibitory activity during pregnancy
The presence of a substance known as plasminogen activator is linked to fibrinogen degradation. During pregnancy, plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitors increase, which reduces fibrinogen degradation during pregnancy.
2. High level of estrogen and progesterone
An increase in clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, is caused by progesterone and estrogen-containing contraceptives, claims a study. Women are thus cautioned about the possibility of stroke following the use of hormonal contraceptives. During pregnancy, the level of progesterone and estrogen naturally increases in the body, leading to an increase in fibrinogen and a decrease in its breakdown.
3. The placenta itself contains inhibitors of fibrinogen degradation
As normal levels of fibrinogen are restored after the placenta leaves the uterus and not just after the foetus is expelled, the placenta itself plays a part in controlling the rise in fibrinogen and reducing its degradation.
After delivery and delivery of the placenta, fibrinogen levels and the compounds produced by their breakdown return to normal levels about an hour later.