Which of the following is commonly observed in disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Which of the following is commonly observed in disseminated intravascular coagulation?

• A. Icterus
• B. Hyperfibrinogenemia
• C. Thrombocytopenia
• D. Increased hematocrit

Answer: (C)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a consumptive process where widespread activation of coagulation causes microthrombi throughout the vasculature, using up platelets and clotting factors. Because platelets are consumed in the formation of these clots, a drop in platelet count—thrombocytopenia—is a common and characteristic finding. In DIC you also see signs like prolonged clotting times and low fibrinogen, reflecting consumption, which helps explain why hyperfibrinogenemia is not typical. Increased hematocrit isn’t a feature of DIC, and icterus isn’t a defining hallmark, though hemolysis or liver involvement can occur in some scenarios.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a consumptive process where widespread activation of coagulation causes microthrombi throughout the vasculature, using up platelets and clotting factors. Because platelets are consumed in the formation of these clots, a drop in platelet count—thrombocytopenia—is a common and characteristic finding. In DIC you also see signs like prolonged clotting times and low fibrinogen, reflecting consumption, which helps explain why hyperfibrinogenemia is not typical. Increased hematocrit isn’t a feature of DIC, and icterus isn’t a defining hallmark, though hemolysis or liver involvement can occur in some scenarios.