Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Flashcards
1
Q
What is DIC?
A
Inappropriate activation of the clotting cascades, resulting in thrombus formation and depletion of clotting factors and platelets
2
Q
Clinical features of DIC
A
Excess bleeding e.g. epistaxis, gingival bleeding, haematuria, bleeding from cannula sites
May present with fever, confusion, or coma
Petechiae, brushing, confusion, and hypotension
3
Q
Risk factors for DIC
A
Major trauma or burns
Multiple-organ failure
Severe sepsis or infection
Severe obstetric complications
Solid tumours or haematological malignancies
4
Q
Investigation findings in DIC
A
Thrombocytopenia
Increased prothrombin time
Increased fibrin degradation products (such as D-dimer)
Decreased fibrinogen
Decreased platelets
Schistocytes
