Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Question 1

Defintion

Answer 1

CRISIS = Massive activation of coagulation cascade
Lots of blood clots around body = organ ischaemia
Consumption coagulopathy = consumes platelets + clotting factors

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Trauma
Sepsis - meningococcal meningitis
Malignancy

Question 3

Signs and symptoms

Answer 3

Widespread clot formation = ischaemia, necrosis, organ damage
Susceptible organs = liver, kidney, brain, lungs
Depletes platelets + clotting factors
Fibrin degradators = thrombosis = bleeding

Question 4

Investigations

Answer 4

Decreased platelets and fibrinogen
Increase in PT + PTT
Increase d-dimer = fibrin deg

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

Treat underlying cause
First line = Transfusion of clotting factors, CRYOPRECIPITATE (replace fibrinogen),
Platelet transfusion
RBC transfusion