Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acquired syndrome characterised by the intravascular activation of coagulation with loss of localisation arising from different causes. It can originate from and cause damage to the microvasculature, which if sufficiently severe, can produce organ dysfunction. DIC is not a disease entity on itself but is always associated to an underlying disease. The clinical conditions that may be associated with DIC include sepsis, trauma, malignancy, liver disease, obstetric disorders, envenomation, vascular anomalies, and major transfusion reactions. A diagnosis of DIC should be made only in the presence of a clinical condition (causative factor) supported by repeated laboratory tests for coagulation profile and clotting factors. Treatment of DIC is aimed at combating the underlying disorder followed by supportive management.