Long Story Short Episode 70: High Fibrinogen and D-Dimers Linked to Long COVID

In this early pandemic study of COVID-19 confirmed hospitalized patients, researchers found two groups of individuals with biomarker profiles: the first had high fibrinogen levels in relation to C-Reactive proteins (CRP) and the second had an increase in D-Dimers in relation to CRP. These molecules generally increase in relation to CRP; however, here the researchers found that the fibrinogen and D-Dimers increased while the CRP stayed low. These cohorts were associated with higher likelihood of neurological long COVID. Let's review both the findings and the mechanisms.

DrBeen: Medical Education Online
https://www.drbeen.com/

FLCCC | Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance
https://covid19criticalcare.com/

URL list (Sep. 7, 2023)

Acute blood biomarker profiles predict cognitive deficits 6 and 12 months after COVID-19 hospitalization | Nature Medicine
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02525-y

Clotting proteins linked to Long Covid’s brain fog | Science | AAAS
https://www.science.org/content/article/clotting-proteins-linked-long-covid-s-brain-fog

Physiology, Acute Phase Reactants - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519570/#:~:text=Acute%20phase%20reactants%20(APR)%20are,acute%20and%20chronic%20inflammatory%20states.

Fibrin Polymerization - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/fibrin-polymerization#:~:text=Cross%2Dlinked%20fibrin%20is%20an,that%20stabilizes%20the%20platelet%20plug.&text=Thrombin%20also%20activates%20a%20thrombin,%E2%80%9CFibrinolysis%2C%E2%80%9D%20below).

Determinants of the onset and prognosis of the post-COVID-19 condition: a 2-year prospective observational cohort study - The Lancet Regional Health – Europe
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00143-6/fulltext

Role of C-Reactive Protein at Sites of Inflammation and Infection - PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5908901/#:~:text=Evidence%20suggests%20that%20CRP%20is,NO%20release%2C%20and%20cytokine%20production.

Screening Tests in Haemostasis:Fibrinogen Assays
https://practical-haemostasis.com/Screening%20Tests/fibrinogen.html

D-Dimers • The Blood Project
https://www.thebloodproject.com/cases-archive/d-dimers/d-dimers/

Low-Dose Aspirin and the Risk of Stroke and Intracerebral Bleeding in Healthy Older People: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial | Geriatrics | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807630#:~:text=In%20this%20secondary%20analysis%20of,overall%20risk%20of%20intracranial%20bleeding.

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This video is not intended to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice; it also does not constitute provision of healthcare services. The content provided in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or healthcare professional regarding any medical or mental health related diagnosis or treatment. No information in this video should ever be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.