How to use D-dimer in acute cardiovascular care

Biomarker Study Group of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA)

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

D-dimer testing is important to aid in the exclusion of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and it may be used to evaluate suspected aortic dissection. D-dimer is produced upon activation of the coagulation system with the generation and subsequent degradation of cross-linked fibrin by plasmin. Many different assays for D-dimer testing are currently used in routine care. However, these tests are neither standardized nor harmonized. Consequently, only clinically validated assays and assay specific decision limits should be used for routine testing. For the exclusion of pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, age-adjusted cut-offs are recommend. Clinicians must be aware of the validated use of their hospital's D-dimer assay to avoid inappropriate use of this biomarker in routine care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)69-80
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean heart journal. Acute cardiovascular care
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

Keywords

  • D-dimer
  • acute cardiovascular care
  • pulmonary embolism
  • thrombosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)

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