week 4 video- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Q: What is DIC?

A: A serious disorder where the body overactivates clotting and then bleeding because clotting factors get used up.

Q: What triggers DIC?

A: Severe infection (sepsis), trauma, cancer, obstetric complications, shock — all can activate widespread clotting.

Q: What is the pathophysiology of DIC?

A: Excess clotting → microclots form in small vessels → clotting factors and platelets are consumed → bleeding occurs.

Q: What are common signs/symptoms of DIC?

A:

• Bleeding (gums, IV sites)

• Bruising

• Organ dysfunction (if clots block blood flow)

• Shock signs in severe cases

Q: What lab findings are typical in DIC?

A:

• ↑ D-dimer

• ↑ PT/PTT

• ↓ fibrinogen

• ↓ platelets

Q: How is DIC treated?

A:

• Treat the underlying cause (e.g., infection)

• Supportive care: fluids, blood products (platelets, FFP) as needed

• Sometimes low-dose anticoagulants if clotting dominates

Q: Why is DIC life-threatening?

A: Because it both clots and bleeds, risking organ failure and hemorrhage.

Q: Why does DIC cause both clotting and bleeding?

A: Clotting factors are overused → body runs out → bleeding occurs.

➡ “Clot first, bleed later”

Q: What is the MOST important treatment for DIC?

A: Treat the underlying cause (e.g., sepsis, trauma, obstetric complication).

⚠ Giving blood products without treating the cause = temporary fix only.

Q: Why might heparin be used in DIC if the patient is bleeding?

A: To stop ongoing microclot formation when clotting predominates.

➡ They LOVE asking this because it feels wrong.

If you see these → think DIC:

• Sepsis (MOST COMMON)

• Trauma

• Obstetric emergencies (placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism)

• Malignancy

• Shock

Q: How is DIC different from simple bleeding disorders?

A: DIC involves systemic clot formation first, then bleeding — not just a lack of clotting.