Coagulopathy in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Hematology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coagulopathy, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), is a frequent complication in sepsis patients.
• Existing scoring systems for coagulopathy and DIC lack standardized definitions and criteria, complicating clinical decision-making.
• Over 25 years of research show a complex landscape of diagnostic and management approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review definitions, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for coagulopathy and DIC in adult sepsis patients.
• To summarize risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with sepsis-induced coagulopathy and DIC.
• To identify knowledge gaps for future research and clinical practice improvements.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of original clinical research published in English from January 1996 onwards.
• Searches conducted in major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL) with reference list screening.
• Data extraction and critical appraisal by two independent reviewers, with adjudication by a senior reviewer.

Main Results:

• The review will present a comprehensive overview of current practices in defining, diagnosing, and managing sepsis-related coagulopathy and DIC.
• It will detail variations in diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and reported clinical outcomes.
• Findings will highlight inconsistencies and areas requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• This scoping review offers a clear picture of the current state of knowledge on coagulopathy and DIC in sepsis.
• It aims to clarify practice variations, pinpoint knowledge gaps, and guide future research priorities.
• The findings will support improved clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in sepsis management.