What aspect of the blood clotting cascade would be MOST directly affected by a fibrinogen deficiency?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a patient with a fibrinogen deficiency and asks which part of the blood clotting cascade is most directly affected. Fibrinogen is the precursor to fibrin, which forms the mesh-like structure of a blood clot (the fibrin net). Therefore, a deficiency in fibrinogen will primarily impair the formation of this fibrin net.
Answer
Fibrin formation will be most directly affected as fibrinogen is needed to create fibrin, which stabilizes clots.
A fibrinogen deficiency would most directly affect the formation of fibrin, which is essential for stabilizing blood clots and promoting hemostasis. Fibrinogen (Factor I) is responsible for making fibrin that forms the mesh that stops bleeding.
Answer for screen readers
A fibrinogen deficiency would most directly affect the formation of fibrin, which is essential for stabilizing blood clots and promoting hemostasis. Fibrinogen (Factor I) is responsible for making fibrin that forms the mesh that stops bleeding.
More Information
Fibrinogen deficiency can lead to severe bleeding because the body cannot form stable blood clots effectively. The severity of bleeding can vary, but it is often most pronounced during infancy and childhood.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing fibrinogen with other clotting factors. Fibrinogen is Factor I and is directly involved in fibrin formation.
Sources
- Fibrinogen (Factor I) Deficiency - gosh.nhs.uk
- Fibrinogen and fibrin: An illustrated review - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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