In disseminated intravascular coagulation, which transfusion product is listed as a treatment option?

• A. Fresh frozen plasma
• B. Red blood cells
• C. Cryoprecipitate
• D. Vitamin K

Answer: (A)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation causes widespread consumption of clotting factors, so addressing the coagulopathy with factor replacement is key when there is active bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma provides a broad range of coagulation factors (and fibrinogen) to help restore normal clotting function and shorten prolonged PT and aPTT, making it the appropriate transfusion option in acute DIC. Red blood cells treat anemia or volume loss but don’t correct the coagulopathy. Cryoprecipitate focuses mainly on fibrinogen and a few other factors, which is useful if fibrinogen is severely low, but doesn’t address the full factor deficit like FFP does. Vitamin K won’t rapidly reverse the consumptive coagulopathy of DIC.