American Society of Hirudotherapy

Congenital dysfibrinogenemia.

Review published in Current opinion in hematology (1997)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentMartinez · Current opinion in hematology, 1997

Abstract

Fibrinogen abnormalities can be classified as congenital or acquired. Each class manifests quantitative or qualitative alterations; the latter are known as dysfibrinogenemias. In dysfibrinogenemias, structural defects cause alterations in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Approximately 300 abnormal fibrinogens have been reported, and about 83 structural defects have been identified. The most common structural defect involve the fibrinopeptides and their cleavage sites, and the second most common involves the gamma-chain polymerization region. Approximately half of the mutants are clinically silent, whereas hemorrhage and thrombosis occur in almost equal numbers of cases. Study of the abnormal fibrinogens has provided insight into fibrinogen structure and fibrin formation and dissolution. Some of the structural abnormalities exhibit defective assembly and activation of components of the fibrinolytic system on the abnormal fibrin, resulting in impaired dissolution of fibrin, clinically associated with thrombosis.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAfibrinogenemiaFibrinogenFibrinogens, AbnormalHumansModels, MolecularThrombosisWound Healing

Summary

Fibrinogen abnormalities are classified as congenital or acquired with quantitative or qualitative alterations. In dysfibrinogenemias structural defects cause alterations in conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin; study of abnormal fibrinogens has provided insight into fibrinogen structure and fibrin formation.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review of congenital dysfibrinogenemia describes how structural defects in fibrinogen, with roughly 300 abnormal fibrinogens and about 83 identified structural defects reported, alter the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin; about half are clinically silent while hemorrhage and thrombosis occur in nearly equal numbers, and some abnormal fibrins resist fibrinolysis, producing thrombosis. For ASH it is useful background on fibrin formation and dissolution, the very system that leech-derived molecules act on, since the secretome includes agents studied for their effects on fibrin clot formation and breakdown. This is a narrative review of an inherited coagulation disorder from the 1990s; it does not address leeches, hirudotherapy, or any treatment outcome, and is included only to explain fibrinogen biology.

Citation

Congenital dysfibrinogenemia.

Martinez · Current opinion in hematology, 1997

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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