Which laboratory findings are typical of disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Get ready for the CAMLPR Hematology Test. Use our quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which laboratory findings are typical of disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a consumption coagulopathy where clotting factors, platelets, and fibrinogen are used up as widespread coagulation occurs, with simultaneous activation of fibrinolysis. This means clotting times tend to be prolonged because circulating factors are depleted, so both the prothrombin time and the partial thromboplastin time can be extended. At the same time, because clots form extensively and then are broken down, fibrin degradation products rise, with D-dimer becoming elevated. Put together, prolonged PT, prolonged APTT, and elevated D-dimer reflect the simultaneous activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis seen in DIC, making all of these findings typical. (Additional common findings include thrombocytopenia and low fibrinogen, reinforcing the consumptive process.)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a consumption coagulopathy where clotting factors, platelets, and fibrinogen are used up as widespread coagulation occurs, with simultaneous activation of fibrinolysis. This means clotting times tend to be prolonged because circulating factors are depleted, so both the prothrombin time and the partial thromboplastin time can be extended. At the same time, because clots form extensively and then are broken down, fibrin degradation products rise, with D-dimer becoming elevated. Put together, prolonged PT, prolonged APTT, and elevated D-dimer reflect the simultaneous activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis seen in DIC, making all of these findings typical. (Additional common findings include thrombocytopenia and low fibrinogen, reinforcing the consumptive process.)

More practice questions