Primary fibrinogenolysis is the pathological lysis of fibrinogen characterized with a low fibrinogen, high fibrin degradation products, prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, a normal platelet count and absence of microcirculatory thrombosis.Biron-Andréani C, Morau E, Schved JF, Hédon B, Dechaud H. Amniotic fluid embolism with haemostasis complications: primary fibrinogenolysis or disseminated intravascular coagulation? Pathophysiol Haemost Thromb. 2003;33(3):170-171 __TOC__ Diagnosis The most important differential diagnosis is disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is characterized with similar features but presence of a low platelet count and microcirculatory thrombosis. Antifibrinolytic treatments are contraindicated in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation while they are useful in the treatment of primary fibrinogenolysis. References