Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex acquired coagulopathy resulting from excessive thrombin formation. Abnormal tissue factor is a major mechanism initiating DIC in many disorders. Clinical symptoms such as predominant bleeding, thromboembolic complications or organ failure should be evaluated together with the profile of laboratory test results. Numerous laboratory tests are available to monitor DIC. The guiding principle of therapy is to identify and vigorously treat the underlying cause of DIC without delay. Treatment options to correct the hemostatic defect and to dampen the intravascular clotting/fibrinolytic process include transfusion of blood product, heparin, antithrombin III (ATIII), and antifibrinolytic agents. Also, therapy must be directed depending on the nature of DIC, age, etiology of DIC, site and severity of hemorrhage or thrombosis, and hemodynamic and other clinical parameters.