Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Abstract

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a frequent clinical entity that presents as a secondary phenomenon associated with some diseases, including, among others, severe infections, neoplastic disorders and obstetric catastrophes. It is characterized by a diffuse and simultaneous activation of the clotting and fibrinolytic systems. The deposit of small thrombi in the circulation eventually leads to dysfunction of multiple organs, and in some cases to death. Clinical findings include thrombotic as well as hemorrhagic manifestations. A simple scoring system has been proposed to aid in the diagnosis of this entity. Treatment includes the specific management of the underlying cause that triggered the DIC, support with blood products in patients with bleeding manifestations and therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with thrombotic events. The development of DIC is an adverse prognostic factor that significantly increases mortality. In this review article the following aspects of CID are included: history, epidemiology, classification, associated diseases, physiopathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.