Elevated D-dimer levels are the most sensitive and specific laboratory marker for DIC. D-dimers are degradation products of cross-linked fibrin, indicating both active coagulation (fibrin formation) and secondary fibrinolysis (fibrin breakdown). While prolonged PT, decreased platelet count, and decreased fibrinogen are also characteristic findings in DIC, they can be affected by other conditions or may not be consistently abnormal in early or compensated DIC. D-dimer elevation reflects the ongoing process of fibrin formation and lysis unique to DIC.
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