Question

Disseminated intravascular coagulation: Diagnosis.

Hint:

DIC is a clinical diagnosis supported by laboratory findings. Early detection and intervention are critical to prevent severe complications.

Answer 1

Step 1: Diagnosis of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DI.
The diagnosis of DIC is based on clinical findings, laboratory tests, and identification of underlying causes. Key diagnostic features include:
(1) Clinical Features: Symptoms such as bleeding (e.g., petechiae, ecchymoses), organ dysfunction (e.g., renal failure), and thrombotic events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
(2) Laboratory Tests: - Platelet Count: Typically low due to consumption in thrombi formation.
- Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): Prolonged, reflecting clotting factor consumption.
- Fibrinogen Levels: Decreased due to fibrinogen consumption in clot formation.
- D-dimer: Elevated, as D-dimers are produced during fibrin breakdown.
- Schistocytes on Peripheral Blood Smear: Fragmented red blood cells, indicating microangiopathic hemolysis.
(3) Identifying Underlying Causes: Diagnosis also includes identifying the underlying condition causing DIC, such as infections, trauma, or malignancy.