DISSEMINATED INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION (DIC)

 Basic information

description

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious, life-threatening disorder that prevents a person's blood from clotting normally. DIC can cause excessive clotting or bleeding throughout the body. It is a complication of one or multiple medical conditions. DIC may be acute or chronic. It can affect all ages and occurs equally in men and women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Bleeding from any or several body parts, such as the nose or gums. Bleeding may be heavy. Common signs of bleeding include:
  • Vomiting up blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
  • Red or black stools.
  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Red or cloudy urine.
  • Bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, or bleeding under the skin (purpura).
• If organ damage occurs:
  • Shortness of breath from lung damage.
  • Low urine output from kidney damage.
  • Stroke from damage to the brain.
  • In severe cases, shock, with low blood pressure and widespread organ failure, may occur.
• In chronic DIC, the body is able to make up for the abnormal clotting. This form of DIC may produce no symptoms or only mild blood clotting or small amount of bleeding from the skin or mouth.

causes

Normally, blood clots are formed in the body as a reaction to an injury. With DIC, there is an overproduction of clots in many blood vessels at the same time. This uses up all the body's clotting factors. As a result, excessive and uncontrolled bleeding can occur. The clots can also block blood flow to body organs causing them to dysfunction or fail. DIC can be triggered by a variety of medical conditions.

risk increases with

• Widespread or major infection.
• Cancer.
• Certain types of surgery.
• Diseases such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, Raynaud disease, and others.
• Burns or injuries.
• Pregnancy complications such as placental abruption, eclampsia, or retained dead fetus.
• Poisonous snakebite.
• Transfusion or blood disorders.
• Heart attack.
• Prosthetic devices, shunts, or heart assist devices.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Obtain prompt medical care for any underlying cause.

expected outcomes

Outcome depends on the underlying cause, severity of the DIC, age, and health status.

possible complications

• Kidney failure.
• Shock.
• Gangrene and amputation.
• Blood clots and hemorrhage (excess bleeding).
• Hemothorax (blood in the lungs).
• Death.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Patients with this condition are often very ill. Hospital care is needed for diagnosis and treatment. There is no single test that is used to diagnose DIC. Several different tests may be needed for an accurate diagnosis .
• Treatment will be provided for the DIC symptoms such as bleeding, and for any underlying disorder.
• Oxygen may be provided through a face-mask. Some patients require breathing support with a ventilator (a device to help the lungs).
• Surgery for the underlying disorder (sometimes).

medications

• Blood transfusions or replacement of blood products may be needed.
• Drugs to prevent blood clots and to help control hemorrhage are usually prescribed.
• Drugs as needed to treat the underlying disorder or medical problem.

activity

Bed rest.

diet

Whatever type of diet is tolerated, depending on patient's condition.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of DIC. This is an emergency.
• Symptoms recur after treatment.

Special Notes: