Disseminated intravascular coagulation

An acquired syndrome characterised by activation of coagulation pathways, resulting in formation of intravascular thrombi and depletion of platelets and coagulation factors.

Clinical history can include epistaxis, gingival bleeding, haematuria, oliguria, cough, dyspnoea, fever, delirium, and coma. Physical examination may reveal petechiae, ecchymosis, gangrene, mental disorientation, hypoxia, hypotension, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnosis is based on presence of ≥1 known underlying conditions causing DIC plus abnormal global coagulation tests: decreased platelet count, increased prothrombin time, elevated fibrin-related maker (D-dimer/fibrin degradation products), and decreased fibrinogen level.

Aggressive treatment of the underlying disorder is indicated, as well as fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate, antithrombin III, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, heparin, and recombinant factor VII activated for refractory haemorrhagic episodes.

Complications include life-threatening haemorrhage, acute renal failure, and gangrene and loss of digits.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acquired syndrome characterised by activation of coagulation pathways, resulting in formation of intravascular thrombi and depletion of platelets and coagulation factors. Thrombi may lead to vascular obstruction/ischaemia and multi-organ failure. Spontaneous bleeding may occur. Generalised bleeding, evidenced by at least 3 unrelated sites, is highly suggestive of DIC.

DIC can be triggered by major trauma, organ destruction, sepsis or severe infection, severe obstetric disorders, some malignancies, major vascular disorders, and severe toxic or immunological reactions.[1]Levi M, De Jonge E, van der Poll T. New treatment strategies for disseminated intravascular coagulation based on current understanding of the pathophysiology. Ann Med. 2004;36(1):41-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15000346?tool=bestpractice.com [2]Franchini M, Lippi G, Manzato F. Recent acquisitions in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb J. 2006 Feb 1;4:4. http://www.thrombosisjournal.com/content/4/1/4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16504043?tool=bestpractice.com