Fibrinogen γ’ levels in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract Background The fibrinogen γ’ variant (γ’) has both antithrombotic and prothrombotic properties when compared to normal fibrinogen. It may therefore be of relevance in intracerebral hemorrhage and intraventricular extension of the bleeding. Objective To study the role of γ’ in intracerebral hemorrhage, and in intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage. Patients/Methods We performed a case-control study in 156 controls and 55 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, with and without intraventricular extension. Levels of fibrinogen γ’ and the γ’/total fibrinogen ratio were measured in all participants. Results Levels of γ’ were increased in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage when compared with controls (0.40 vs 0.32 g/l, p  Conclusions Our study shows that absolute levels of fibrinogen γ’ are increased in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, but relative levels are similar in patients and controls, suggesting that the absolute rise in γ’ is an acute phase response.