What is a common result of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) related to platelets?

Thrombocytopenia, or a decreased platelet count, is a common result of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) due to the consumption of platelets in the formation of microclots. During DIC, the coagulation cascade is excessively activated, leading to widespread clot formation within the blood vessels. As microthrombi form throughout the circulation, platelets are rapidly consumed in this process, resulting in a significant drop in the overall platelet count.

This phenomenon is related to the body's attempt to manage the increased clotting activity, causing a paradoxical bleeding tendency despite the presence of clotting factors. It underscores the complex nature of DIC, where the body experiences both clotting and bleeding complications simultaneously.

In the context of the other options, an increased platelet count would be counterintuitive, as the consumption during DIC leads to a decrease. Decreased platelet consumption doesn’t accurately describe the platelet dynamics during DIC, as there is increased consumption rather than a reduction. While platelet activation occurs due to the coagulation process, thrombocytopenia specifically addresses the resultant reduction in platelet numbers associated with DIC.