Curriculum · Hematology
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
What it is
DIC is a massively activated and dysregulated coagulation and fibrinolysis. The pathogenesis of its thrombocytopenia is consumptive: the PLT is consumed by that same activated coagulation.
Causes and risk
A major motor vehicle accident with multiple fractures and soft tissue injuries can be followed by DIC, with the bleeding noted on day 2 of the ICU admission. Two other etiologies of the condition are:
- Sepsis
- Obstetric causes: placenta abruption and HELLP syndrome
How it presents
The bleeding is diffuse and comes from cannula sites. The cutaneous findings are petechia and ecchymosis.