Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, IntegumentaryDifficulty 3/5
Which laboratory pattern best supports disseminated intravascular coagulation?
- ALow platelets, prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen, raised D-dimer
- BNormal platelets, prolonged PT alone and a normal fibrinogen with no D-dimer rise
- CHigh platelets, shortened clotting times and depressed D-dimer values
- DIsolated thrombocytopenia with normal coagulation studies and normal fibrinogen
Show answer and rationale
Correct: A. DIC consumes platelets and clotting factors while generating fibrin degradation products: low platelets, prolonged PT and aPTT, falling fibrinogen and a raised D-dimer. Isolated thrombocytopenia with normal studies suggests another cause.
- B — An isolated PT prolongation suggests factor VII deficiency or warfarin effect.
- C — That pattern describes a hypercoagulable laboratory picture, not consumption.
- D — Isolated thrombocytopenia with normal coagulation is not DIC.