What does a coagulation profile showing increased PT, PTT, and bleeding time indicate?

A coagulation profile that reveals increased prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and bleeding time suggests a significant alteration in the hemostatic process. When all three of these values are elevated, it typically indicates a condition where there is a problem with both the clotting factors and the function of platelets.

In the case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), there is widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets. This can result in a prolonged PT and PTT due to the depletion of clotting factors such as fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factors V and VII, while the concurrent consumption of platelets can lead to an increased bleeding time. DIC is often triggered by underlying conditions such as infection, trauma, or obstetric complications, and it is characterized by both thrombosis and bleeding.

Conditions like Hemophilia A and Von Willebrand's disease affect specific clotting factors or the function of platelets, and typically do not cause an increase in bleeding time alongside prolonged PT and PTT. Whereas thrombocytopenia may lead to an increased bleeding time, it does not typically cause prolongation of PT