What is the reason for low fibrinogen in children

Low fibrinogen in children may be caused by physiological factors, liver disease, genetic abnormalities, infections, or drug effects, and targeted treatment should be taken based on specific causes.

1. Physiological factors:

The fibrinogen levels in newborns and infants are usually lower than those in adults, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. Insufficient maternal nutrition during pregnancy may lead to a decrease in fetal fibrinogen synthesis, and premature infants are more prone to temporary decline due to immature liver function. Most of these situations gradually return to normal with age, and it is recommended to regularly check coagulation function.

2. Liver diseases:

Viral hepatitis, biliary atresia and other liver lesions can directly affect fibrinogen synthesis. The liver is the main organ that produces clotting factors, and when liver cells are damaged, symptoms such as skin bruising and nosebleeds may occur. Treatment should be targeted at the primary disease, such as interferon therapy for viral hepatitis, and plasma exchange should be considered for severe liver failure.

3. Genetic diseases:

Congenital hyperfibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by lifelong coagulation dysfunction. These children often have symptoms such as umbilical cord bleeding and joint hematoma, and genetic testing is required for diagnosis. The treatment mainly involves regular infusion of fibrinogen concentrate and requires lifelong follow-up.

4. Infection factors:

Severe bacterial infections such as sepsis can cause disseminated intravascular coagulation, leading to excessive consumption of fibrinogen. In addition to symptoms of infection such as fever, the child may also have a tendency to bleed in multiple areas. Urgent control of the source of infection is required, along with supplementation of fibrinogen and anticoagulant therapy, and if necessary, intensive care should be performed.

5. Drug effects:

Long term use of antiepileptic drugs such as sodium valproate or chemotherapy drugs may interfere with fibrinogen metabolism. Clinical manifestations include gingival bleeding and bruising at the injection site. It is necessary to evaluate the necessity of medication, adjust the dosage of medication or replace alternative drugs. Usually, the indicators can gradually recover after discontinuation of medication.

Daily attention should be paid to preventing external injuries and avoiding violent sports collisions. Diet should ensure high-quality protein intake and moderately increase foods rich in vitamin K such as fish and soy products. Observe the tendency of skin and mucous membrane bleeding, and choose a soft bristled toothbrush for brushing teeth. It is recommended to have four coagulation tests rechecked every 3-6 months. If there are persistent abnormalities, it is necessary to complete bone marrow puncture, liver ultrasound and other examinations to determine the cause. Before vaccination, it is necessary to evaluate the coagulation status and supplement fibrinogen preparations if necessary.