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Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) Health Article
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Definition
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become abnormally active.
Alternative Names
Consumption coagulopathy
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normally, when you are injured, certain proteins in the blood become activated and travel to the injury site to help stop bleeding. However, in persons with DIC, these proteins become abnormally active. Small blood clots form within the blood vessels. Some of these clots can clog up the vessels and cut off blood supply to various organs such as the liver or kidney. These organs will then stop functioning. Over time, the clotting proteins become "used up." When this happens, the person is then at risk for serious bleeding from even a minor injury. This disorder can result in clots or, more often, in bleeding. The bleeding can be severe. Risk factors for DIC include:
Symptoms
Signs and tests
The following tests may be done:
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 clotting, is sometimes used also.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome depends on what is causing the disorder.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have bleeding that won't stop.
Prevention
Get prompt treatment for conditions known to bring on this disorder. |
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