In abruption-related DIC, which laboratory finding is typically elevated?

In abruption-related DIC, which laboratory finding is typically elevated?

• A. D-dimer
• B. Fibrinogen
• C. Platelet count
• D. Hemoglobin

Answer: (A)

When placental abruption triggers disseminated intravascular coagulation, there’s widespread clot formation followed by breakdown of those clots. This increases fibrinolysis, leading to elevated fibrin degradation products. D-dimer is a specific fragment released when crosslinked fibrin is degraded, so its level rises in abruption-related DIC. That makes D-dimer the typical elevated lab finding. Conversely, fibrinogen is usually consumed and decreases, platelets drop due to consumption, and hemoglobin is not elevated and may fall from bleeding.

When placental abruption triggers disseminated intravascular coagulation, there’s widespread clot formation followed by breakdown of those clots. This increases fibrinolysis, leading to elevated fibrin degradation products. D-dimer is a specific fragment released when crosslinked fibrin is degraded, so its level rises in abruption-related DIC. That makes D-dimer the typical elevated lab finding. Conversely, fibrinogen is usually consumed and decreases, platelets drop due to consumption, and hemoglobin is not elevated and may fall from bleeding.