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


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


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hughes
R
R
Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Thomson
K
K
Hopkins
R
R
Weatherall
M
M
Wiltshire
C
C
Wilsher
M
M
Beasley
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D