Elevated fibrin(ogen) degradation products in the adult respiratory distress syndrome.
During a 60-h period after the onset of either the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 14 patients, or similar predisposing conditions without respiratory insufficiency (non-ARDS) in 12 patients, blood was obtained 3 times for assessment of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and complement. Platelet counts decreased progressively in both groups, and a platelet release protein, Beta-thromboglobulin, was similarly increased in both groups. Fibrinopeptide A concentrations were similarly increased in both groups. Hemolytic activity of complement components C3 and C5 was within the normal range in both groups. In contrast, the fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product, D-antigen, was significantly increased in the ARDS group over all time periods (p < 0.01). These findings suggested that higher concentrations of circulating fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products are associated with ARDS itself, either as a marker or more extensive microvascular injury or as a possible mediator of injury.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000378:metabolism; D003182:Complement C5 / Q000378:metabolism; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000378:metabolism*; D005344:Fibrinopeptide A / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000378:metabolism
D003176:Complement C3; D003182:Complement C5; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin; D005344:Fibrinopeptide A