Dysfibrinogenemia

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Dysfibrinogenemia is a coagulation (clotting) disorder characterized by having an abnormal form of fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is a protein produced by the liver which helps control bleeding by helping blood clots to form. Having abnormal fibrinogen results in defective clot formation and can cause an increased or decreased ability to clot. Dysfibrinogenemias may be inherited (congenital) or acquired. Congenital Dysfibrinogenemia is rare. About 40% of people with this form have no symptoms. About 50% have a bleeding disorder, and the remaining 10% have either a thrombotic disorder (excessive clotting) or both bleeding and thrombotic disorders. Congenital Dysfibrinogenemias may be caused by genetic changes in the FGA, FGB or FGG genes. Inheritance is most often autosomal dominant or codominant, but can also be autosomal recessive. Whether a person has no symptoms, a bleeding tendency, or an increased risk of thrombosis depends on the effect of their specific genetic change(s). Acquired Dysfibrinogenemia is more common than the congenital form and is associated with liver disease such as cirrhosis, liver tumors, or hepatitis.