Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Varying Age Groups Based on Clinical Conditions

Elizabeth Geyer-Roberts1, Tanisha Akhand1, Alexandra Blanco1

  • 1Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA.

Cureus
|May 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a critical condition affecting vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly. This review details DIC

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening condition involving systemic blood coagulation activation, leading to thrombosis, organ dysfunction, and bleeding.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of underlying causes are crucial for treating DIC.
  • Certain populations, including pediatric patients, pregnant women, and the elderly, face higher risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on DIC in pregnancy, pediatric populations, and the elderly.
  • To highlight similarities and differences in etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of DIC across these vulnerable groups.
  • To enhance awareness and facilitate early recognition and diagnosis of DIC in at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of existing studies on DIC in pregnancy, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
  • Comparative analysis of etiological factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
  • Synthesis of findings to identify unique and shared characteristics of DIC in these specific demographic groups.

Main Results:

  • DIC presents with varied clinical features and underlying causes across pediatric, pregnant, and elderly individuals.
  • Diagnostic challenges and management strategies may differ significantly based on the patient's age and physiological state.
  • Specific risk factors and disease trajectories are observed in each vulnerable group.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the nuances of DIC in pregnancy, pediatrics, and the elderly is essential for effective clinical management.
  • Tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are necessary to improve outcomes for these high-risk populations.
  • Increased clinical awareness of DIC's varied presentations can lead to more timely and accurate diagnoses.

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