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Recent acquisitions in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation

Massimo Franchini1, Giuseppe Lippi, Franco Manzato

  • 1Servizio di Immunoematologia e Trasfusione-Centro Emofilia, Azienda Ospedaliera di Verona, Verona, Italy. mfranchini@univr.it

Thrombosis Journal
|March 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) involves widespread clotting and bleeding due to coagulation activation. This review covers DIC pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current/experimental treatments for overt cases.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a critical condition.
  • It involves systemic coagulation activation, leading to thrombosis and hemorrhage.
  • DIC is associated with sepsis, infections, malignancies, and other severe conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on DIC pathophysiology.
  • To outline diagnostic approaches for DIC.
  • To discuss standard and experimental therapies for overt DIC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on DIC.
  • Synthesis of information on pathophysiology and diagnosis.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies for DIC.

Main Results:

  • DIC is characterized by widespread fibrin formation and consumption of clotting factors/platelets.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and laboratory findings.
  • Therapies aim to treat the underlying cause and manage bleeding/thrombosis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding DIC pathophysiology is crucial for timely diagnosis.
  • Effective management requires addressing the underlying disorder.
  • Ongoing research explores novel therapeutic options for DIC.

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