DIC

Question 1

what is DIC

Answer 1

an acquired syndrome characterised by the activation of coagulation pathways resulting in the formation of intravascular thrombi and depletion of platelets and coagulation factors.

Question 2

causes of DIC

Answer 2

shock, sepsis, major trauma, burns, malignancies, obstetric emergencies, sever immune-mediated reactions, severe organ dysfunction

Question 3

signs of DIC

Answer 3

must be some evidence of a precipitating factor, bleeding from unusual sites, Widespread bruising without trauma, new confusion, signs of haemorrhage, petechiae, gangrene

Question 4

investigations for DIC

Answer 4

ISTH scoring system (platelet count, D-dimer, PT time and fibrinogen levels), do FBC, PT and APTT, clauss fibrinogen level and D-dimer

Question 5

management

Answer 5

treat underlying disorder, stop trigger and supportive treatment.

if bleeding: platelet transfusion, fresh frozen plasma, clotting factors, cryoprecipitate, heparin

Question 6

complications

Answer 6

organ failure, haemorrhage, cardiac tamponade, haemothorax, gangrene