DIC – Disseminated intravascular coagulation – Consumption coagulopathy
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC; Consumption Coagulopathy; Defibrination Syndrome)
Description DIC
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (ICE) – disease, causing blood clots in small blood vessels. These clots can slow or block blood flow through these vessels. Organs and tissues begin to experience a lack of blood supply, and can be damaged.
Blood clots are composed of platelets and coagulation factors. DVS causes a decrease in the number of platelets and coagulation factors in other parts of the body, that can lead to the risk of bleeding.
DIC can be acute or chronic. Acute DIC develops within a few hours or days and can cause serious bleeding. Chronic DIC may develop within a few months. Its cause is often a cancer. Chronic DIC also causes the formation of blood clots, but rarely leads to bleeding. DIC is a life-threatening condition, which should be treated immediately.
Causes of DIC
The cause of the engine are other illness or injury. Injury or inflammation stimulate changes in blood clotting.
ICE can also be caused by an act of venom of poisonous snakes, but this cause is rare.
Risk factors for DIC
Factors, that may increase the risk of DIC include:
- Sepsis – blood poisoning;
- Complications of pregnancy and childbirth, such as:
- Eclampsia;
- Clots amniotic fluid;
- Retained placenta;
- Injuries, such as:
- Burns;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Chilblain;
- Recent surgery;
- Cancer, including leukemia;
- Severe liver disease or pancreatitis.
Symptoms of DIC
The symptoms of DIC may vary depending on the place of occurrence of blood clots:
- Blood clots in the brain can cause headaches, dizziness and other symptoms of stroke, such as problems with speech and movements;
- Blood clots in the legs can cause swelling, redness, and warmth;
- Blood clots in the lungs may cause shortness of breath;
- A blood clot in the heart may cause chest pain or a heart attack;
Bleeding is often the first sign of acute DIC. Symptoms include bleeding:
- Unexplained bruising, who long held;
- Red spots on the skin (like tiny bruises);
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding from small wounds;
- Bleeding from the nose;
- Bleeding from the gums;
- Blood in the urine can cause pink or brown urine;
- Dark, tarry stools;
- Heavy menstrual bleeding.
If you have any severe or unexplained bleeding, you should immediately seek medical help.
Diagnosis of DIC
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. There will also be a blood test Made, to determine the levels of clotting factors and platelets.
Treatment of DIC
It will be necessary to identify and treat the underlying cause of DIC. The procedure for treatment will vary depending on the disease.
To cope with ICE doctor may recommend:
- Blood Products – to help restore the balance of clotting factors. You can enter fresh frozen plasma, platelets, or other components of blood;
- Heparin – preparation, which thins the blood. It can be used in combination with drugs for reducing blood clots;
- Антитромбин III – preparation, used to retard clotting in some patients.
Preventing DIC
Prompt treatment of diseases, associated with the engine may decrease the risk of DIC.