disseminated intravascular coagulation

Question 1

define DIC?

Answer 1

a disorder of the clotting cascade that can complicate a serious illness.

Question 2

what are the two forms of DIC?

Answer 2

• Acute overt form - caused by massive bleeding

* Chronic non-overt form - caused by thromboembolism

Question 3

causes of DIC?

Answer 3

• Infection
• Obstetric Complications
• Malignancy
• Severe trauma or surgery
• any serious illness

Question 4

presenting features of DIC?

Answer 4

•	Evidence of bleeding 
•	Acute DIC 
o	Petechiae, purpura, ecchymoses  
o	Epistaxis  
o	Mucosal bleeding  
o	Overt haemorrhage  
o	Signs of end organ damage  
o	Respiratory distress  
o	Oliguria due to renal failure 
•	Chronic DIC 
o	Signs of deep vein thrombosis

Question 5

what will the PT and APTT show in DIC?

Answer 5

PT = prolonged
APTT = prolonged

Question 6

what will the bleeding time and platelet count be in DIC?

Answer 6

bleeding time = prolonged
platelet count = low