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Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)DefinitionDisseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting are abnormally active. Alternative NamesConsumption coagulopathyCausesNormally, when you are injured, certain proteins are turned on and travel to the injury site to help stop bleeding. However, in persons with DIC, these proteins are abnormally active. Small blood clots form throughout the body. Overtime, the clotting proteins become "used up" and are unavailable during times of real injury. This disorder can result in clots or, more often, bleeding. Bleeding can be severe. Risk factors for DIC include:
Symptoms
Exams and TestsThe following tests may be done:
TreatmentThe goal is to determine and treat the underlying cause of DIC. Blood clotting factors will be replaced with plasma transfusions. Heparin, a medication used to prevent thrombosis, is sometimes used in combination with replacement therapy. Outlook (Prognosis)The underlying disease that causes the disorder will usually predict the probable outcome. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalGo to the emergency room or call 911 if you have continued bleeding of unknown cause. PreventionGet prompt treatment for conditions known to bring on this disorder. ReferencesLevi M. Disseminated intravascular coagulation: What's new? Crit Care Clin. Jul 2005; 21(3): 449-67. DeLoughery TG. Critical care clotting catastrophies. Crit Care Clin. Jul 2005; 21(3): 531-62. Gando S. A multicenter, prospective validation of disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnostic criteria for critically ill patients: comparing current criteria. Crit Care Med. Mar 2006; 34(3): 625-31.
Review Date:
2/6/2007 Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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