Which obstetric condition is least likely to develop disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

Which obstetric condition is least likely to develop disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

• A. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
• B. Placenta Abruption
• C. Placenta Previa (Bleeding)
• D. Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Answer: (C)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in pregnancy happens when a large amount of tissue factor or fibrin causes widespread activation of the coagulation system, which uses up clotting factors and platelets and leads to both clotting and bleeding. This is most commonly triggered by events that release a lot of tissue factor into the maternal circulation, such as placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, and severe preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Placenta previa with bleeding, while it can cause significant hemorrhage, typically involves bleeding from a placental edge without the massive systemic tissue factor release that drives DIC. Because the systemic coagulation activation is less, DIC is less likely to develop in placenta previa compared with the other conditions.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in pregnancy happens when a large amount of tissue factor or fibrin causes widespread activation of the coagulation system, which uses up clotting factors and platelets and leads to both clotting and bleeding. This is most commonly triggered by events that release a lot of tissue factor into the maternal circulation, such as placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, and severe preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Placenta previa with bleeding, while it can cause significant hemorrhage, typically involves bleeding from a placental edge without the massive systemic tissue factor release that drives DIC. Because the systemic coagulation activation is less, DIC is less likely to develop in placenta previa compared with the other conditions.