What is DIC? What laboratory investigation can help to make this diagnosis?
DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) is the sudden onset of widespread fibrin thrombi in the microcirculation, and can cause diffuse circulatory insufficiency, particularly in the heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs. Formation of the multiple thrombi lead to concurrent consumption of platelets and coagulation proteins AND fibrinolytic mechanisms are activated, leading to a bleeding disorder. The laboratory investigation of the blood would reveal thrombocytopenia and prolongation of PT and PTT (owing to consumption of platelets, clotting factors, and fibrinogen). Fibrin split products are increased in the plasma. 3. What is the basic pathogenetic mechanism of DIC? [REVIEW: Clotting can be initiated in two ways: The extrinsic pathway (triggered by release of tissue factor) or the intrinsic pathway (activated by Factor XII), both of which lead to the generation of thrombin. Clot-inhibiting influences: rapid clearance of activated clotting factors by the mononuclear phagocytic system
