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Disseminated intravascular coagulation current concepts of etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Rodger L Bick1

  • 1Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 10455 North Central Expressway, Suite 109-PMB320, Dallas, TX 75231, USA. rbick@thrombosis.com

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|March 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) involves complex hemostasis system interactions, leading to varied clinical and lab findings. Individualized therapy is crucial, considering newer agents that may modify cytokine and vasoactive substance activity.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) presents complex pathophysiologic mechanisms.
  • Understanding inter-relationships within the hemostasis system is key to interpreting DIC manifestations.
  • The clinical and laboratory findings in DIC patients are often confusing and diverse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of DIC.
  • To aid clinicians and scientists in appreciating the spectrum of DIC findings.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies for DIC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pathophysiologic mechanisms of DIC.
  • Analysis of clinical and laboratory manifestations.
  • Evaluation of current and emerging therapeutic options.

Main Results:

  • DIC pathophysiology is intricate due to hemostasis system inter-relationships.
  • A wide spectrum of clinical and laboratory findings is observed in DIC.
  • Therapeutic decisions for DIC are often controversial and lack validation.

Conclusions:

  • Individualized therapy for DIC is essential, considering patient-specific factors.
  • Newer antithrombotic agents and cytokine-modifying drugs show potential value.
  • Therapy should be tailored based on DIC's nature, etiology, and patient parameters.

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