Factors affecting D-dimer levels in patients with uncomplicated primary varicose veins

<b>Introduction:</b> The diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is hampered in patients with primary varicose veins due to similarity of symptoms of DVT and PVV and elevated levels of D-dimers. </br></br> <b> Aim:</b> The purpose of this study was to analyze factors that influence the D-dimer concentration in patients with PVV in order to redefine its diagnostic value. </br></br> <b>Methods:</b> Forty-one patients with non-complicated PVV were enrolled in the study, in whom D-dimer level was determined by immunoturbidimetric assay. The influence of selected clinical factors on the concentration of D-dimers was determined with univariate and bivariate analysis. Besides descriptive statistics the D-dimers levels were compared to the age -adjusted cutoff values. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> The median concentration of D-dimer was 630.0 ng/ml (440.0–1140.0 ng/ml) and was above the age-adjusted level in 21 (52%) of patients. There was a positive correlation between the patient’s age and and D-dimer concentration (p = 0.035, Spearman correlation coefficient rs = 0,33). The bivariate analysis showed a significant interaction between age and weight p = 0,02.</br></br> <b> Conclusion:</b> In patients with PVV the diagnostic value of D-dimers is limited especially in older and overweight subjects.