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Consumption coagulopathy

Definition

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting are abnormally active.

Alternative Names

Consumption coagulopathy

Causes

Normally, 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:

Blood transfusion reaction
Cancer, including leukemia
Infection in the blood by bacteria or fungus
Pregnancy complications (such as retained placenta after delivery)
Recent surgery or anesthesia
Sepsis
Severe liver disease
Severe tissue injury (as in burns and head injury)

Symptoms

Bleeding, possibly from multiple sites in the body
Blood clots
Sudden bruising

Exams and Tests

The following tests may be done:

Serum fibrinogen - low
Prothrombin time (PT) - high
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) - high
Platelet count

Treatment

The 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

Severe bleeding
Stroke
Lack of blood flow to arms, legs, or organs

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have continued bleeding of unknown cause.

Prevention

Get prompt treatment for conditions known to bring on this disorder.

Levi 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.