Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Flashcards
What is the job of RBC’s?
Transport of O2 and CO2
What affect does ageing have on red bone marrow, stem cell & RBC production?
Production decreases
What is the basic clotting cascade flow?
Injury → vasoconstriction → platelet plug formation (primary hemostasis) → thrombin combines with fibrinogen to create fibrin which in turn activates clotting factors (coagulation cascade) attaches to platelets and clots wound (secondary hemostasis)
What is the basic patho of DIC?
Causal condition → hemostasis imbalanced → systemic coagulation factors stimulated (can result in capillary blockage causing organ ischemia) → clotting factors are used up causing an inability to clot → uncontrolled bleeding occurs and death results if not caught and treated early
What is the “macro” treatment for DIC?
- Treat/remedy the causal factor (ex. septic infection, traumatic injury, etc)
- Treat present hemorrhage, clot formation, shock
How do we tx hemorrhage in DIC?
Vit K or FFP to increase clotting factors
How do we tx excessive clot formation in DIC?
Heparin
How do we treat shock in DIC?
fluids
What are the key blood lab values that can indicate the onset of DIC?
- ↓ platelets and fibrinogen
- Prolonged PT and PTT
- ↑ D-Dimer
What is PT?
Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot.
What is a normal PT?
11-13.5 seconds
What is PTT?
A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test measures the time it takes for a blood clot to form in a blood sample.
What is a normal PTT?
25-30 seconds
What is D-Dimer?
D-dimer is a protein fragment (small piece) that’s made when a blood clot dissolves in your body.
