Which of the following is a feature ofdisseminated intravascular coagulation (DIQ)?
**Question:** Which of the following is a feature of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIQ)?
A. Thrombocytopenia
B. Hyperfibrinolysis
C. Hyperviscosity
D. Hyperfibrinogenemia
**Core Concept:**
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIQ) is a clinical syndrome characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems, leading to intravascular thrombus formation and fibrin deposition. This results in a state of generalized hypercoagulability and increased risk of thrombotic events.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
DIQ is characterized by a consumptive coagulopathy, where the clotting factors, platelets, and fibrinogen are depleted. In this scenario, thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) is a common feature, as the platelets are consumed in the clotting process.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
In contrast to DIQ, the other options represent conditions associated with different clinical presentations.
- **B. Hyperfibrinolysis:** Hyperfibrinolysis refers to an excessive breakdown of fibrin, leading to increased fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) and decreased fibrinopeptide A levels in the plasma. It is typically seen in certain conditions like trauma, sepsis, or amyloidosis, but it is not a feature of DIQ.
- **C. Hyperviscosity:** Hyperviscosity refers to an elevated blood viscosity, which is not directly related to coagulation disorders but may be seen in conditions like polycythemia, hyperviscosity syndromes, or polyploid cells. It is not a feature of DIQ.
- **D. Hyperfibrinogenemia:** Hyperfibrinogenemia refers to an elevated fibrinogen level, which may be seen in certain conditions like infection or trauma but is not a specific feature of DIQ.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Thrombocytopenia is a key feature of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIQ), which is associated with a consumptive coagulopathy and increased clotting cascade activation. This helps students recognize the distinct clinical features of DIQ compared to other conditions with thrombocytopenia.