Fibrinogen Degradation Products and D-Dimers in Patients with Breast Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Many patients with cancer are complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation. This study was aimed to determine the level of Fibrinogen Degradation Products and D-Dimers at various stages in patients suffering from breast carcinoma.

Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan, from June 2003 to June 2004. Sampling method was by convenience. Two groups were taken; Group-1 including 50 patients with breast carcinoma and Group-2 comprising of 25 healthy controls. Fibrinogen Degradation Products and D-Dimer levels were estimated in the blood and the results compared.

Results: Out of 50 patients, 28 (56%) had Fibrinogen Degradation Products >40 μg/ml; 13 (26%) in stageIII and 15 (30%) in stage-IV. 15 (30%) patients had levels between 5-40μg/ml; 8 (16%) in stage-II and 7 (14%) in stage-III. Only 7 (14%) had levels <5μg/ml; 3 (6%) in stage-II and 4 (8%) in stage-III. Similarly, 8 (16%) patients had D-Dimers level 1000-2000·g/ml; 1 (2%) in stage-III and 7 (14%) in stage-IV. 11 (22%) patients had D-Dimers level 500-1000·g/ml; 6 (12%) in stage-III and 5 (10%) in stage-IV. 30 (60%) had D-Dimers level 250-500·g/ml; 9 (18%) in stage-II, 18 (36%) in stage-III and 3 (6%) in stage-IV. Only 1 (2%) patient had DDimer level <250·g/ml.

Conclusion: Levels of Fibrinogen Degradation Products and D-Dimers are elevated in breast carcinoma, especially in those with distant metastasis.