Disseminated intravascular coagulation Flashcards
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
DIC is a condition where the processes of coagulation and fibrinolysis are dysregulated, leading to widespread clotting and resultant bleeding.
What is the role of tissue factor (TF) in DIC?
TF is a critical mediator of DIC that binds with coagulation factors to trigger the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.
What are common causes of DIC?
Common causes include sepsis, trauma, obstetric complications, and malignancy.
What are the typical blood picture findings in DIC?
The typical findings include decreased platelets, decreased fibrinogen, increased PT & APTT, and increased fibrinogen degradation products.
How does DIC affect prothrombin time (PT), APTT, bleeding time, and platelet count?
In DIC, PT is prolonged, APTT is prolonged, bleeding time is prolonged, and platelet count is decreased.
What happens to plasmin in a state of homeostasis?
In homeostasis, plasmin is critical as it is the central proteolytic enzyme necessary for fibrinolysis.
What is the final product of hemostasis?
The final product of hemostasis is the stable fibrin clot.
What occurs during the activation of the fibrinolytic system?
Activation generates plasmin, which is responsible for the lysis of fibrin clots.
What are fibrin degradation products?
Fibrin degradation products are polypeptides resulting from the breakdown of fibrinogen and fibrin.
