Which of the following characteristics of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) makes it distinguished from Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?
A diagnosis of TTP is made based on the patient's clinical presentation and the suppoive laboratory data. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is a close differential diagnosis of TTP. Often it is very difficult to distinguish. The following features helps to distinguish DIC from TTP. PT and APTT are increased in DIC Fibrinogen levels are decreased However one should keep in mind that there is no one test that can be diagnostic of DIC. Ref: Davidson's Medicine, 19th Edition, Page 610, 952-953
Brisk Reticulocytosis
The Number of Schistocytes
Reduction of Coagulation Factor
Significant Thrombocytopenia