Fibrin degradation product D-dimer (D-dimer)

D-dimer is a specific fibrin degradation product formed when cross-linked fibrin clots are broken down by plasmin during the process of fibrinolysis. It is a small protein fragment present in the blood only when acute or chronic activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis has occurred, such as in venous thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or major inflammatory states[2][3][6]. D-dimer is composed of two D fragments of fibrin, joined by a cross-link, and is detected in plasma when the coagulation cascade results in the formation of cross-linked fibrin, and subsequent fibrinolysis occurs[1][3][4]. Measurement of D-dimer in blood is widely used as a **diagnostic biomarker** to exclude or monitor thrombotic events, but it is not itself a molecular drug target, receptor, or enzyme. Because D-dimer is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or mediator of biological effects, but rather an **excreted marker of clot breakdown**, it is not subject to pharmacologic modulation or direct drug binding.

Other names

D dimerFDP D-dimerFibrin D-dimerFibrin degradation product D-dimer