Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Assessment of Plasma Coagulation on Liver Tissue in a Large Animal Model In Vivo
06:23

Assessment of Plasma Coagulation on Liver Tissue in a Large Animal Model In Vivo

Published on: August 4, 2018

Coagulopathies in the PICU: DIC and liver disease

Robert I Parker1

  • 1Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stony Brook Long Island Children's Hospital, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. rparker@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

Critical Care Clinics
|March 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bleeding in pediatric intensive care units elevates mortality risk. However, coagulopathy often stems from liver disease or vitamin K deficiency, not always requiring intervention, unlike disseminated intravascular coagulation which presents extreme mortality risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Hematology
  • Coagulation disorders

Background:

  • Bleeding in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is a significant risk factor for mortality.
  • Most patients with abnormal coagulation profiles do not experience bleeding.
  • Coagulopathy is frequently secondary to liver disease or vitamin K deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate causes of coagulopathy in PICU patients.
  • To assess the necessity and efficacy of interventions for abnormal coagulation.
  • To highlight the extreme mortality risk associated with bleeding in disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of patient data in PICUs.
  • Analysis of coagulation profiles and bleeding incidence.
  • Correlation of coagulopathy markers with underlying conditions and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Abnormal coagulation tests in PICU patients are often not indicative of active bleeding.
  • Liver disease and vitamin K deficiency are common causes of coagulopathy without significant bleeding.
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is associated with common bleeding and extreme mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Interventions for abnormal coagulation tests in PICU patients are not always warranted.
  • Distinguishing between different causes of coagulopathy is crucial for appropriate patient management.
  • Effective management strategies must consider the underlying etiology of coagulopathy to mitigate mortality risks.

More Related Videos

Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt12:27

Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt

Published on: May 7, 2015

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...