Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Question 1

What happens in DIC

Answer 1

widespread clotting with resultant bleeding

Question 2

What triggers DIC?

Answer 2

Tissue Factor (TF) release in exposure to
cytokines, tumour necrosis factor, and endotoxin

=> promotes clotting cascade

TF is also abundant in tissues of the lungs, brain, and placenta.

Question 3

Causes of DIC

Answer 3

sepsis
trauma
obstetric complications e.g. amniotic fluid embolism or HELLP syndrome
malignancy

Question 4

Typical blood picture in DIC

Answer 4

Prolonged PT & APTT
LOW fibrinogen
LOW platelets

↑ fibrinogen degradation products (d-dimer)