Prothrombin Fragment 1.2

Elevated levels of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 indicate a high risk of thrombosis.

Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) is considered to be useful for the diagnosis of thrombosis. However, the evidence for a diagnosis of thrombosis by F1 + 2 is still not well established. The plasma concentrations of F1 + 2, soluble fibrin, D-dimer, and thrombin-antithrombin complex were measured in 694 patients suspected of having thrombosis and then were correlated with thrombosis.

Plasma concentrations of F1 + 2, soluble fibrin, D-dimer, and thrombin-antithrombin complex were significantly higher in patients with thrombosis than those without thrombosis. 

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Elevated levels of Prothrombin Fragment 1.2 in the blood are clinically significant as they indicate increased thrombin generation, which is a key part of the blood clotting process. Prothrombin Fragment 1.2 is a specific peptide that is released when prothrombin is converted to thrombin, an essential step in the coagulation cascade. Elevated levels can be observed in several conditions:

1. Hypercoagulable States: High levels of Prothrombin Fragment 1.2 are often seen in hypercoagulable states, where there's an increased tendency for blood clot formation. This can occur in various disorders, including certain genetic conditions like Factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin gene mutation, and other acquired conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome.

2. Active Thrombosis: Elevated levels can be indicative of active thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). It suggests that the clotting process is actively occurring.

3. Cardiovascular Diseases: In patients with cardiovascular diseases like atrial fibrillation or after a myocardial infarction, increased levels may reflect a heightened state of coagulation.

4. Cancer: Some types of cancers can induce a hypercoagulable state, leading to elevated levels of Prothrombin Fragment 1.2.

5. Use of Certain Medications: Medications like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, which can increase the risk of blood clots, may also elevate these levels.

It's important to interpret elevated levels of Prothrombin Fragment 1.2 in the context of the patient's overall health, medical history, and other laboratory findings, as they are not specific to a single condition but rather indicate an increased coagulation activity in the body. This can necessitate further investigation and management to address the underlying cause and to mitigate the risk of thrombotic complications.

Prothrombin Fragment 1.2 is stable degradation product and its measurement in plasma can be used as a marker of Thrombin generation. Measurement of F1+2 has been used to diagnose Pre-thrombotic states and Thrombotic disorders and in addition to monitor the efficacy of treatment in these disorders.