Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Question 1

what is disseminated intravascular coagulation

Answer 1

activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to simultaneous excessive clotting and bleeding

Question 1

causes of DIC

Answer 1

sepsis
obstetric emergencies, malignancy, hypovolaemic shock

Question 2

treatment of dic

Answer 2

treat underlying cause

replacement therapy; platelet transfusions, plasma transfusions, fibrinogen replacement

Question 3

clinical presentation of dic

Answer 3

• Patient is often acutely ill and shocked
  • Clinical presentation varies from no bleeding at all to profound haemostatic failure with widespread haemorrhage○ Bleeding may occur from the mouth, nose and venepuncture sites, and there may be widespread ecchymoses

Thrombotic events - any organ may be involved but the skin, brain and kidneys are most often affected

Question 4

blood results in DIC

Answer 4

• The PT, APTT and TT usually very prolonged

fibrinogen level markedly reduced

* High levels of FDPs, including D-dimer, are found

* Severe thrombocytopenia The blood film may  show fragmented red blood cells