A typical patient in DIC will show lab results that suggest 'hyperactivation' of the coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades. In DIC patients will have:
- Lowered platelet count
- Elevated D-Dimer
- Prolonged prothrombin time
- And sometimes, a decreased fibrinogen level
Patients with DIC are given platelets or fresh frozen plasma transfusions. They may be given cryoprecipitate if their fibrinogen is low. The prognosis for DIC can be severe, Mortality ranges from 20% to 50%. DIC with sepsis has a significantly higher rate of death than DIC associated with trauma.
