Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a Complication Resulting from The

Question

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complication resulting from the
A) release of cytotoxins.
B) triggering of the complement system.
C) attachment of bacterial cells to the endocardium.
D) release of heme from damaged RBCs.
E) release of lipid A from dying Gram-negative bacteria.

Accepted Answer

DIC, or Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, is often a complication resulting from the release of lipid A from dying Gram-negative bacteria. Lipid A, a component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls, can trigger a systemic inflammatory response leading to widespread activation of the coagulation pathways and, consequently, DIC.