Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (Dic)
Description
A very serious impairment of blood-clotting mechanisms. Some process, usually an infection or cancer, causes the body to rapidly use the body's clotting factors and platelets. Small blood clots can clog arteries to important organs causing them to fail. In addition patients experience excessive bleeding due to the decrease in clotting factors and platelets.
Symptoms
Bleeding, easy bruising, low blood pressure.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are done to diagnose the disorder. These tests will demonstrate low platelets, and defective clotting of blood. A search for the underlying cause of the DIC will also be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- D-Dimer
Treatment
Treatment of the underlying cause is paramount. Transfusion of the missing blood clotting proteins is necessary. Occasionally heparin, a blood thinner, is prescribed.
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