Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Also written as DIC.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterised by all of the following except:
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
- Key concepts: Pathogenesis · Consequences · Clinical features · Associations
- DIC occurs as a complication of a wide variety of disorders. It is caused by systemic activation of coagulation throughout the microcirculation → formation of widespread microthrombi → consumption of platelets and coagulation factors → seco
- Pathogenesis — two main triggers:
- Release of tissue factor / thromboplastic substances into the circulation:
- Obstetric complications — tissue factor from placenta, retained dead fetus, or amniotic fluid
Read this in Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
- DIC is an acquired syndrome of simultaneous widespread clotting and bleeding caused by uncontrolled activation of coagulation throughout the microvasculature. Clotting factors and platelets are consumed faster than they can be replaced, lea
- Sepsis — the most common cause
- Obstetric complications: abruptio placentae, amniotic fluid embolism, eclampsia
- Malignancy, especially acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL)
- Incompatible blood transfusion reactions
Read this in Haemostasis & Coagulation: Platelet Function & Bleeding Disorders
What our notes say
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterised by all of the following except: (Internal Medicine (MBIM 4100) special/supplementary exam, Paper Two: 14 August 2)
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a paradoxical condition caused by systemic coagulation activation, simultaneously leading to microthrombotic tissue ischemia and a severe bleeding diathesis due to consumptive coagulopathy. (Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders)
- Others: disseminated intravascular coagulation, paralytic ileus, and gastrointestinal bleeding. (Internal Medicine CAT 1 (MBChB 4), 2022: liver, pancreas and bone marrow, 30 MCQ)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — consumption of platelets and coagulation factors (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — treat the underlying cause (cancer) and replace with FFP, cryoprecipitate, and platelets (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the paradox of bleeding and clotting occurs because: (Pathology CAT 1: Cell Injury, Metaplasia & Hypoxia Q&A)
Study material on Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
- Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders
- Haemostasis & Coagulation: Platelet Function & Bleeding Disorders
- Renal, Liver, Cardiac & Adrenal Function Tests for Year 3
- Blood Transfusion Contraindications & Acute Reactions
- Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained
- EXAM: Spot/Practical Examination
- Blood Transfusion Medicine: An Exam-Focused Review
- Haematology End of Year 2025 Past Paper — MKU MBML 3200 Questions & Answers
- Pathology CAT 1: Cell Injury, Metaplasia & Hypoxia Q&A
- Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide
- MCQ: High-Yield MCQs — Haematology (All Topics)
Practice questions on Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) laboratory profile includes
- High fibrinogen, low D-dimer, prolonged PT
- Low fibrinogen, high D-dimer, prolonged PT and APTT, thrombocytopaenia
- Normal PT, elevated fibrinogen, high platelets
- Isolated thrombocytopaenia with normal coagulation
Answer: B. Systemic clotting consumes fibrinogen, factors, and platelets while fibrinolysis elevates D-dimers; both PT and APTT are prolonged. ---
In acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), which coagulation abnormality is most characteristic of disseminated intravascular coagulation?
- Elevated fibrinogen
- Decreased fibrinogen
- Shortened prothrombin time
- Thrombocytosis
Answer: B. APL blasts release procoagulant material that triggers consumptive coagulopathy, consuming fibrinogen and clotting factors while raising D-dimer.