Current clinical practice. DIC 2002: a review of disseminated intravascular coagulation

The turn of the millennium has seen clear advances in the understanding and management of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). The recognition that its pathogenesis stems from sustained thrombin generation in fuelling the cycle between inflammation and coagulation has seen the first successful treatment in severe sepsis through targeting this activity. An advance in treatment brings heightened relevance to laboratory testing, which now emphasises earlier detection and better monitoring to facilitate improved risk-identification and assessment of therapeutic efficacy. This review article also provides insights into future strategies that might build on the foundation of improving prognosis for the patient with DIC.