Juliet Cohen

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Information

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation also called consumptive coagulopathy. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome characterized by massive activation and consumption of coagulation proteins, fibrinolytic proteins and platelets. There are two clinical forms of DIC, acute DIC and chronic DIC. Acute DIC is a haemorrhagic disorder characterised by multiple bruises (ecchymoses), bleeding from mucosal sites (such as lips and genitals) and depletion of platelets and clotting factors in the blood. Chronic DIC is subtler and involves formation of blood clots in blood vessels (thromboembolism). Clotting factors and platelets may be normal, increased, or moderately decreased in chronic DIC.

DIC causes include bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, cancers, complications during pregnancy, types of snakebite and severe trauma, burns, and extreme low body temperature (hypothermia). Acute tissue injuries such as certain snakebites, necrotising enterocolitis, freshwater drowning, heat stroke, brain and crush injury, massive tissue destruction, and renal homograft rejection. It affected both males and females equally. DIC may appear that develops suddenly and usually causes bleeding, which may be very severe. Bleeding may occur at the site of an intravenous injection or in the brain, digestive tract, skin, muscles, or cavities of the body. Symptoms of organ damage caused by excessive blood clotting may include shortness of breath from lung damage, low urine output from kidney damage.

In severe cases, shock, with low blood pressure and widespread organ failure, may occur. Treatment for DIC depends on the medical condition causing it. Heparin, a medication used to prevent thrombosis, is sometimes used in combination with replacement therapy. Transfusions of blood cells and other blood products may be necessary to replace blood that has been lost through bleeding and to replace clotting factors used up by the body. Anticoagulants are only given when indicated (development of thrombotic renal complications) as patients with DIC are prone to bleeding. Antifibrinolytics such as aminocaproic acid are also recommended. Therapy to stop the coagulation cascade requires an understanding of the mechanisms involved.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Heparin may be used to slow the clotting in people.

2. Platelets and clotting factors are transfused to replace those depleted and to stop bleeding.

3. Transfusions of blood cells and other blood products may be necessary to replace blood.

4. Anticoagulant therapy may be used in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.

5. Attend to life-threatening issues such as airway compromise or severe hemorrhage.

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