In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the major mechanism is release of which factor?

In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the major mechanism is release of which factor?

• A. Diffuse Endothelial Injury
• B. Release of Tissue Factor
• C. Defective Antithrombin
• D. Platelet Warfarin-like effect

Answer: (B)

Systemic activation of coagulation is driven by tissue factor exposure. Tissue factor, released or expressed by damaged cells (such as endothelial cells and monocytes) in response to inflammation or injury, binds factor VIIa and initiates the extrinsic pathway. This sets off a large burst of thrombin, converting fibrinogen to fibrin and creating microthrombi throughout small vessels. The result is a consumptive coagulopathy where platelets and coagulation factors are used up, leading to both thrombosis and bleeding. Diffuse endothelial injury occurs as a consequence and amplifies the process, but the triggering event is the release/activation of tissue factor. Defective antithrombin and Warfarin-like effects on platelets can worsen or modify the picture but do not represent the initiating mechanism.

Systemic activation of coagulation is driven by tissue factor exposure. Tissue factor, released or expressed by damaged cells (such as endothelial cells and monocytes) in response to inflammation or injury, binds factor VIIa and initiates the extrinsic pathway. This sets off a large burst of thrombin, converting fibrinogen to fibrin and creating microthrombi throughout small vessels. The result is a consumptive coagulopathy where platelets and coagulation factors are used up, leading to both thrombosis and bleeding. Diffuse endothelial injury occurs as a consequence and amplifies the process, but the triggering event is the release/activation of tissue factor. Defective antithrombin and Warfarin-like effects on platelets can worsen or modify the picture but do not represent the initiating mechanism.