In a patient with abruptio placentae, which finding is most likely associated with DIC?

In a patient with abruptio placentae, which finding is most likely associated with DIC?

• A. Petechiae
• B. Hematuria
• C. Prolonged clotting times
• D. Oozing from injection sites

Answer: (C)

Abruptio placentae can trigger disseminated intravascular coagulation, a rapid consumption of clotting factors and platelets due to widespread activation of coagulation. The most reliable indicator of this process is prolonged clotting times (PT and aPTT) because the clotting factors are used up, making the blood take longer to clot. Bleeding symptoms like oozing from injection sites or petechiae can occur, and hematuria may appear, but they reflect the bleeding tendency rather than the underlying lab abnormality. Thus, prolonged clotting times best reflect the disrupted coagulation system in DIC associated with abruptio placentae.

Abruptio placentae can trigger disseminated intravascular coagulation, a rapid consumption of clotting factors and platelets due to widespread activation of coagulation. The most reliable indicator of this process is prolonged clotting times (PT and aPTT) because the clotting factors are used up, making the blood take longer to clot. Bleeding symptoms like oozing from injection sites or petechiae can occur, and hematuria may appear, but they reflect the bleeding tendency rather than the underlying lab abnormality. Thus, prolonged clotting times best reflect the disrupted coagulation system in DIC associated with abruptio placentae.