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Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Disseminated intravascular coagulation: treat the cause, not the lab values
Carrie Ann Labelle1, Craig S Kitchens
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0277, USA.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|June 3, 2005
Insights
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition stemming from other illnesses. Effective treatment requires addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms of bleeding or clotting.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pathophysiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex syndrome.
- It arises secondary to various severe medical conditions.
- DIC presents with a spectrum of clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the nature of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- To highlight the diverse etiologies of DIC.
- To emphasize the critical importance of treating the underlying cause of DIC.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DIC.
- Analysis of clinical presentations of DIC.
- Synthesis of treatment strategies for DIC.
Main Results:
- DIC is consistently linked to underlying pathologies like cancer, infection, trauma, and obstetric emergencies.
- Clinical manifestations include both thrombotic events and bleeding tendencies, or a combination thereof.
- Successful management is contingent upon identifying and treating the precipitating condition.
Conclusions:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a critical indicator of severe underlying disease.
- Prompt recognition and management of the primary pathology are paramount for patient survival.
- Therapeutic strategies must be individualized based on the specific trigger for DIC.
Abstract:
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a manifestation of an underlying pathologic process such as cancer, infection, trauma, or obstetric catastrophe. It can manifest as thrombosis, bleeding, or both. To succeed, treatment must address the underlying cause.
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