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Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become abnormally active.
Alternative NamesConsumption coagulopathy
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsNormally, 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. This often occurs due to inflammation, infection, or cancer.
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, brain, 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. The small blood clots may also break up healthy red blood cells.
This disorder can result in clots or, more often, in bleeding. The bleeding can be severe.
Risk factors for DIC include:
- Blood transfusion reaction
- Cancer, especially certain types of leukemia
- Infection in the blood by bacteria or fungus
- Pregnancy complications (such as retained placenta after delivery)
- Recent surgery or anesthesia
- Sepsis (an overwhelming infection)
- Severe liver disease
- Severe tissue injury (as in burns and head injury)
- Bleeding, possibly from multiple sites in the body
- Blood clots
- Drop in blood pressure
- Sudden bruising
The following tests may be done:
- Examination of a blood sample under a microscope
- Fibrin degradation products - high
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) - high
- Platelet count- low
- Prothrombin time (PT) - high
- Serum fibrinogen - low
The goal is to determine and treat the underlying cause of DIC.
Blood clotting factors may be replaced with plasma transfusions. Heparin, a medication used to prevent clotting, is sometimes used.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome depends on what is causing the disorder.
Complications- Lack of blood flow to arms, legs, or vital organs
- Severe bleeding
- Stroke
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have bleeding that won't stop.
PreventionGet prompt treatment for conditions known to bring on this disorder.
ReferencesSchafer AI. Hemorrhagic disorders: disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure, and vitamin K deficiency. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 181.
What else can I help you with?
What does dic mean in English?
It can be the abbreviation of the word dictionary. In medicine it can be the abbreviation for disseminated intravascular coagulation.
What does a prolonged PT signal?
It may mean that the patient has a vitamin K deficiency, a liver disease, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
What does the medical abbreviation DIC mean?
DIC stands for Dissiminated Intravascular Coagulation.
When does disseminated intravascular coagulation occur?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs when there is an abnormal activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to widespread formation of blood clots throughout the small blood vessels. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including severe infections (sepsis), trauma, obstetric complications (such as placental abruption), and certain malignancies. As clotting factors and platelets are consumed, it can lead to a paradoxical increased risk of bleeding. DIC is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation DIC?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), also known as consumptive coagulopathy, is a pathological activation of coagulation (blood clotting) mechanisms that happens in response to a variety of diseases. DIC leads to the formation of small blood clots inside the blood vessels throughout the body.[1] As the small clots consume coagulation proteins and platelets, normal coagulation is disrupted and abnormal bleeding occurs from the skin (e.g. from sites where blood samples were taken), the digestive tract, the respiratory tract and surgical wounds. The small clots also disrupt normal blood flow to organs (such as the kidneys), which may malfunction as a result.[2]DIC can occur acutely but also on a slower, chronic basis, depending on the underlying problem.[3] It is common in the critically ill, and may participate in the development of multiple organ failure, which may lead to death.[Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disseminated_intravascular_coagulation
What is one of the first signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation?
One of the first signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is the presence of bleeding, which may manifest as petechiae, ecchymoses, or oozing from venipuncture sites. Patients may also exhibit a rapid drop in platelet count and changes in coagulation parameters, such as prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent further complications.
What is the fullform of DIC?
The full form of DIC can vary depending on the context. In medical terms, it often stands for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, a serious condition affecting blood clotting. In a business context, DIC may refer to the Development Investment Corporation. Additionally, in some educational contexts, it can mean Diploma in Industrial Chemistry.
How do you prevent disseminated intravascular coagulation?
Preventing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) primarily involves addressing the underlying conditions that can trigger it, such as sepsis, trauma, or obstetric complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, including appropriate management of infections and careful monitoring during high-risk pregnancies, are crucial. Additionally, maintaining hemodynamic stability and avoiding blood transfusion-related complications can help reduce the risk. Regular monitoring of coagulation parameters in at-risk patients can also aid in early detection and intervention.
Why take D Dimer blood test in Delhi?
The test helps to detect serious blood clot disorders like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In the case of the COVID-19 infection, it shows the clot in the body.
What diagnostic or laboratory tests are used to confirm a diagnosis of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation?
A: Clinically, DIC is usually diagnosed on the basis of the underlying disease, observed low platelet counts on a peripheral blood test, increases in bleeding times, and the presence of degradation products in the blood plasma.
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a pathological process in the body where the blood starts to coagulate throughout the whole body. This depletes the body of its platelets and coagulation factors, and there is a paradoxically increased risk of haemorrhage. It occurs in critically ill patients, especially those with Gram-negative sepsis (particularly meningococcal sepsis) and acute promyelocytic leukemia.Basically the person is clotting and bleeding at the same time. It is a very very serious disorder, and can be very deadly. Once all of the body's clotting factors are used up (and they can be used up very quickly) then the body just bleeds out of every opening in the body (eyes, nose, ears, mouth, anus, etc.) It can be treated by giving the person blood products to help replenish the volumes being lost and also giving products that will help clot the blood. However sometimes it is too late. The only way to really correct this disorder is to correct whatever the underlying cause for the DIC was.Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a disorder. When someone has DIC their proteins that control blood clotting becomes over active.
What blood products are used to treat DIC?
In the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the main blood products used are fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate, and platelets. FFP is administered to provide clotting factors, while cryoprecipitate is rich in fibrinogen and is used to correct low fibrinogen levels. Platelets may be given if there is significant thrombocytopenia. The choice of products depends on the patient's specific coagulation abnormalities and clinical condition.
