Disseminated intravascular coagulation in cancer patients

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome that may complicate a variety of diseases, including malignant disease. DIC is characterized by widespread, intravascular activation of coagulation (leading to intravascular fibrin deposition) and simultaneous consumption of coagulation factors and platelets (potentially resulting in bleeding). Clinically, DIC in cancer has, in general, a less fulminant presentation than the types of DIC complicating sepsis and trauma. A more gradual, but also more chronic, systemic activation of coagulation can proceed subclinically. Eventually, this process may lead to exhaustion of platelets and coagulation factors, and bleeding (e.g. at the site of the tumour) may be the first clinical symptom indicating the presence of DIC. In some cases, the clinical presentation of DIC in cancer may be reminiscent of thrombotic microangiopathies, which is understandable in view of the role of the endothelium in both conditions. The therapeutic cornerstone of DIC is treatment of the underlying disorder, but supportive treatment specifically aimed at the haemostatic system may be required.