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Definition

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become overactive.

Causes

When you are injured, proteins in the blood that form blood clots travel to the injury site to help stop bleeding. If these proteins become abnormally active throughout the body, you could develop DIC. The underlying cause is usually due to inflammation, infection, or cancer.

In some cases of DIC, small blood clots form in the blood vessels. Some of these clots can clog the vessels and cut off the normal blood supply to organs such as the liver, brain, or kidneys. Lack of blood flow can damage and cause major injury to the organs.

In other cases of DIC, the clotting proteins in your blood are consumed. When this happens, you may have a high risk of serious bleeding, even from a minor injury or without injury. You may also have bleeding that starts spontaneously (on its own). The disease can also cause your healthy red blood cells to fragment and break up when they travel through the small vessels that are filled with clots.

Risk factors for DIC include:

• Blood transfusion reaction
• Cancer, especially certain types of leukemia
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Infection in the blood, especially by bacteria or fungus
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy complications (such as placenta tissue that is left behind after delivery)
• Recent surgery or anesthesia
• Severe tissue injury (as in burns and head injury)
• Large hemangioma (a blood vessel that is not formed properly)

Symptoms

Symptoms of DIC may include any of the following:

• Bleeding, from many sites in the body
• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Drop in blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion, memory loss or change of behavior
• Fever

Exams and Tests

You may have any of the following tests:

• Complete blood count with blood smear exam
• Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• Prothrombin time (PT)
• Fibrinogen blood test
• D-dimer

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for DIC. The goal is to determine and treat the underlying cause of DIC.

Supportive treatments may include:

• Plasma transfusions to replace blood clotting factors if a large amount of bleeding is occurring.
• Blood thinner medicine (heparin) to prevent blood clotting if a large amount of clotting is occurring.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome depends on what is causing the disorder. DIC can be life threatening.

Possible Complications

Complications from DIC may include:

• Bleeding
• Lack of blood flow to the arms, legs, or vital organs
• Stroke

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have bleeding that does not stop.

Prevention

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

References

Levi M. Disseminated intravascular coagulation. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 137.

Sarode R, Kessler CM. Coagulation and fibrinolysis. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 40.

Schafer AI. Disseminated intravascular coagulation and bleeding in liver failure. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 161.

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