What lab findings are indicative of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?

The presence of decreased fibrinogen levels and increased fibrin degradation products (FDP) is indicative of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there's an overactivation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the body's small vessels. This process consumes clotting factors and platelets, resulting in two critical laboratory findings: low fibrinogen due to its consumption and high levels of FDP, which are released as a result of fibrin breakdown.

Fibrinogen is a plasma protein that is crucial for clot formation, and its decrease suggests that clotting is happening excessively. Meanwhile, increased FDP points to a high level of fibrinolysis, indicating the breakdown of clots. Together, these findings help in diagnosing DIC, especially in settings where there are clinical signs such as bleeding or organ dysfunction related to clotting abnormalities. Thus, recognizing these lab values is vital in identifying and managing this life-threatening condition.