In DIC, which coagulation parameter changes would you expect?

In DIC, which coagulation parameter changes would you expect?

• A. Shortened prothrombin time
• B. Prolonged prothrombin time
• C. Normal prothrombin time
• D. No change in prothrombin time

Answer: (B)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation causes a consumptive coagulopathy where clotting factors and platelets are used up across the body. Because the prothrombin time reflects the extrinsic and common pathways and is particularly sensitive to deficiencies in factor VII, depletion of these factors leads to a longer time to form a clot after tissue factor is added. So, the typical finding in DIC is a prolonged prothrombin time, often along with a prolonged aPTT, low fibrinogen, low platelets, and elevated D-dimer as fibrin is formed and then degraded. A shortened or unchanged PT would not fit the pattern of factor consumption seen in DIC, though in very early or mild cases PT might appear near normal.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation causes a consumptive coagulopathy where clotting factors and platelets are used up across the body. Because the prothrombin time reflects the extrinsic and common pathways and is particularly sensitive to deficiencies in factor VII, depletion of these factors leads to a longer time to form a clot after tissue factor is added. So, the typical finding in DIC is a prolonged prothrombin time, often along with a prolonged aPTT, low fibrinogen, low platelets, and elevated D-dimer as fibrin is formed and then degraded. A shortened or unchanged PT would not fit the pattern of factor consumption seen in DIC, though in very early or mild cases PT might appear near normal.