Which condition at 29 weeks gestation with gestational hypertension increases the risk of developing DIC?

Which condition at 29 weeks gestation with gestational hypertension increases the risk of developing DIC?

• A. Mild preeclampsia
• B. Severe preeclampsia
• C. Gestational hypertension without signs of preeclampsia
• D. No risk

Answer: (B)

Severe preeclampsia raises the risk of DIC because it causes widespread endothelial dysfunction and systemic activation of the coagulation cascade. This endothelial damage leads to excessive clot formation in small vessels, which consumes platelets and clotting factors. As those resources are used up, the body can’t form normal clots when needed and also bleeds more easily, creating the picture of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Mild preeclampsia or gestational hypertension without preeclampsia does not typically trigger this level of consumption coagulopathy, so their risk for DIC is much lower. At 29 weeks, recognizing that severe preeclampsia markedly increases the likelihood of DIC is crucial for timely monitoring and management.

Severe preeclampsia raises the risk of DIC because it causes widespread endothelial dysfunction and systemic activation of the coagulation cascade. This endothelial damage leads to excessive clot formation in small vessels, which consumes platelets and clotting factors. As those resources are used up, the body can’t form normal clots when needed and also bleeds more easily, creating the picture of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Mild preeclampsia or gestational hypertension without preeclampsia does not typically trigger this level of consumption coagulopathy, so their risk for DIC is much lower. At 29 weeks, recognizing that severe preeclampsia markedly increases the likelihood of DIC is crucial for timely monitoring and management.