Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Question 1

What are risk factors for DIC

Answer 1

malignancy
sepsi
trauma/surgery/burns
pregnancy complications

Question 2

What is DIC

Answer 2

widespread activation of clotting leading to clotting factors and platelets being consumed

increased risk of bleeding

Question 3

What investigations are required with DIC

Answer 3

bloods
- low platelets and fibrinogen
-increased fibrin degradation products
- long PT and APTT

=Schistocytes

-high D dimer

Question 4

What symptoms will someone with DIC have

Answer 4

hypotension
tachycardia
purpura fulminans , gangrene or acral cyanosis
delirium
coma
petechiae- ( non-blanching spots )
ecchymosis- bruising
haematuria

Question 5

What is management for DIC

Answer 5

treat underlying cause
blood transfusions

up to 4 units of FFP and 10 units of cryoprecipitate3w while waiting for coagulation studies

Question 6

What occurs in DIC

Answer 6

systemic activation of both clotting and coagulation pathways

hence patients present with paradoxical symptoms of both bleeding and thrombosis