Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually suggested by following conditions:
- Severe cases with hemorrhage: The PT and APTT are usually very prolonged and the fibrinogen level markedly reduced. High levels of fibrin degradation products, including D-dimer, are found owing to the intense fibrinolytic activity stimulated by the presence of fibrin in the circulation. There is severe thrombocytopenia. The blood film may show fragmented red blood cells (schistocytes).
- Mild cases without bleeding: There is increased synthesis of coagulation factors and platelets. PT, APTT, and platelet counts are normal. fibrin degradation products are raised.
Definitive diagnosis depends on the result of:
- Thrombocytopenia
- Prolongation of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time
- A low fibrinogen concentration
- Increased levels of fibrin degradation products
Condition | Prothrombin time | Partial thromboplastin time | Bleeding time | Platelet count |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vitamin K deficiency or warfarin | Prolonged | Normal or mildly prolonged | Unaffected | Unaffected |
Disseminated intravascular coagulation | Prolonged | Prolonged | Prolonged | Decreased |
Von Willebrand disease | Unaffected | Prolonged | Prolonged | Decreased and/or Rejected |
Hemophilia | Unaffected | Prolonged | Unaffected | Unaffected |
Aspirin | Unaffected | Unaffected | Prolonged | Unaffected |
Thrombocytopenia | Unaffected | Unaffected | Prolonged | Decreased |
Liver failure, early | Prolonged | Unaffected | Unaffected | Unaffected |
Liver failure, end-stage | Prolonged | Prolonged | Prolonged | Decreased |
Uremia | Unaffected | Unaffected | Prolonged | Unaffected |
Congenital afibrinogenemia | Prolonged | Prolonged | Prolonged | Unaffected |
Factor V deficiency | Prolonged | Prolonged | Unaffected | Unaffected |
Factor X deficiency as seen in amyloid purpura | Prolonged | Prolonged | Unaffected | Unaffected |
Glanzmann's thrombasthenia | Unaffected | Unaffected | Prolonged | Unaffected |
Bernard-Soulier syndrome | Unaffected | Unaffected | Prolonged | Decreased or unaffected |
Factor XII deficiency | Unaffected | Prolonged | Unaffected | Unaffected |
Read more about this topic: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
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