Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC) Flashcards
1
Q
define DIC
A
DIC is an inappropriate activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the depletion of clotting factors and platelets, causing bleeding
2
Q
what causes DIC
A
it occurs as a result of severe
systematic disease, therefore it is often
encountered in a hospital setting.
3
Q
pathophysiology of DIC
A
- Tissue damage causes the release and activation of tissue factor
- Widespread activation of the
coagulation cascade occurs and
therefore platelet activation, causing
crisis. - Platelets are unnecessarily consumed and micro-thrombose in small blood vessels, leading to blockages.
- Tissue plasminogen activator activated, leading to increased fibrinolysis and clotting removal.
- Due to a lack of systemic platelets, there is an increased severe bleed risk.
4
Q
triggers of DIC
A
- Major trauma or burns
- Multi-organ failure
- Severe sepsis or infection
- Severe obstetric complications
- Solid tumours or haematological
malignancies - Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL) is an uncommon AML subtype associated with DIC.
5
Q
signs and symptoms of DIC
A
- Excessive Bleeding
- Fever
- Confusion
- Potential coma
- Petechiae
- Bruising
- Confusion
- Hypotension
6
Q
how to diagnose DIC
A
blood tests
7
Q
what blood tests do you carry out to diagnose DIC
A
- FBC
- blood film
- raised D-Dimer
- clotting profile
8
Q
what does FBC of DIC show
A
thrombocytopenia
9
Q
what does blood film of DIC show
A
May show schistocytes due to
microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia
10
Q
what is D dimer
A
a product of fibrin degradation – released in clot breakdown
therefore increased in DIC
11
Q
what does clotting profile of DIC show
A
Increased PT, APTT, and
decreased fibrinogen.
12
Q
treatment for DIC
A
- treat the cause
- supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications
- IV platelet/clotting factor
concentrates or fresh frozen plasma to replace clotting factors
13
Q
A
