Elevated FDP or D-dimer in a patient with suspected DIC indicates what process?

Elevated FDP or D-dimer in a patient with suspected DIC indicates what process?

• A. Decreased fibrin formation with reduced fibrinolysis.
• B. Increased fibrin formation with secondary fibrinolysis, leading to elevated FDP and D-dimer.
• C. No change in fibrin degradation products.
• D. Only decreased D-dimer.

Answer: (B)

Elevated FDP or D-dimer signals that clot formation is occurring and is being actively broken down. In disseminated intravascular coagulation, widespread activation of coagulation leads to many fibrin clots forming in the microvasculature. The body powerfully activates the fibrinolytic system to dissolve these clots, so plasmin chops up fibrin (and some fibrinogen), producing fibrin degradation products. D-dimer is a specific fragment created when cross-linked fibrin is degraded, so its rise indicates both clot formation and subsequent fibrin breakdown. This combination—increased fibrin formation with secondary fibrinolysis—explains the elevated FDP and D-dimer.

Elevated FDP or D-dimer signals that clot formation is occurring and is being actively broken down. In disseminated intravascular coagulation, widespread activation of coagulation leads to many fibrin clots forming in the microvasculature. The body powerfully activates the fibrinolytic system to dissolve these clots, so plasmin chops up fibrin (and some fibrinogen), producing fibrin degradation products. D-dimer is a specific fragment created when cross-linked fibrin is degraded, so its rise indicates both clot formation and subsequent fibrin breakdown. This combination—increased fibrin formation with secondary fibrinolysis—explains the elevated FDP and D-dimer.