Disseminated intravascular coagulation involves activation of which systems?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation involves activation of which systems?

• A. Coagulation and fibrinolysis
• B. Complement and coagulation
• C. Platelet aggregation only
• D. Kinin system

Answer: (A)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is driven by simultaneous activation of the coagulation cascade and the fibrinolytic system. Widespread tissue factor exposure and thrombin generation cause many microvascular clots to form, which rapidly consume platelets and clotting factors and create a bleeding tendency. At the same time, the fibrinolytic system is activated to break down these clots, leading to elevated markers like D-dimer. This dual activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis best fits the situation in DIC. Complement activation and coagulation can occur in severe infections but aren’t the defining pair here. Platelet activation and aggregation happen, but the central process is broader and includes the coagulation cascade and its simultaneous breakdown by fibrinolysis. The kinin system is not the primary driver of DIC.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is driven by simultaneous activation of the coagulation cascade and the fibrinolytic system. Widespread tissue factor exposure and thrombin generation cause many microvascular clots to form, which rapidly consume platelets and clotting factors and create a bleeding tendency. At the same time, the fibrinolytic system is activated to break down these clots, leading to elevated markers like D-dimer. This dual activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis best fits the situation in DIC.

Complement activation and coagulation can occur in severe infections but aren’t the defining pair here. Platelet activation and aggregation happen, but the central process is broader and includes the coagulation cascade and its simultaneous breakdown by fibrinolysis. The kinin system is not the primary driver of DIC.