Which lab finding is commonly seen in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

Which lab finding is commonly seen in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

• A. Low PT and PTT
• B. Normal PT/PTT
• C. Prolonged PT and PTT
• D. Prolonged PT only

Answer: (C)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation causes a consumption coagulopathy where widespread activation of coagulation consumes clotting factors and platelets. Because both the extrinsic pathway (PT) and the intrinsic pathway (PTT) are affected by this consumption, both tests become prolonged. That’s why prolonged PT and PTT is the typical lab finding. A normal PT/PTT wouldn’t reflect the ongoing consumption, and a prolonged PT alone wouldn’t account for the intrinsic pathway involvement seen in DIC. In real practice you’d also expect low platelets, low fibrinogen, and elevated D-dimer.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation causes a consumption coagulopathy where widespread activation of coagulation consumes clotting factors and platelets. Because both the extrinsic pathway (PT) and the intrinsic pathway (PTT) are affected by this consumption, both tests become prolonged. That’s why prolonged PT and PTT is the typical lab finding. A normal PT/PTT wouldn’t reflect the ongoing consumption, and a prolonged PT alone wouldn’t account for the intrinsic pathway involvement seen in DIC. In real practice you’d also expect low platelets, low fibrinogen, and elevated D-dimer.