Definition

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a problem with how your blood clots. DIC causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels. These clots can slow or block the flow of blood through these vessels. The organs and tissue that rely on this blood flow can then be damaged.

Blood clots are made of platelets and clotting factors. The blood clots caused by DIC decrease the body's platelets and clotting factor. This could lead to bleeding in other areas of the body.

DIC may be acute or chronic. Acute DIC develops over a few hours or days. It can quickly lead to bleeding problems. Chronic DIC can develop over months. Chronic DIC develops blood clots but rarely leads to bleeding problems. DIC is a life-threatening condition that must be treated right away.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

DIC has several causes, which include cancer and other medical conditions, like a serious infection or organ damage. It can also be caused by complications from pregnancy or an injury from an accident. The trauma or inflammation caused by these conditions stimulates changes in the blood clotting process.

Rarely, DIC can be caused by toxins from poisonous snake bites.

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that may increase your chance of DIC include:

• Sepsis—a body-wide infection
• Complications of pregnancy and delivery such as:
  • Eclampsia
  • Amniotic fluid clots
  • Retained placenta
• Recent trauma such as:
  • Burns
  • Head injury
  • Frostbite
• Recent surgery
• Cancer including leukemia
• Severe liver disease or pancreatitis

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms of DIC can vary because the blood clots can occur throughout the body. Clots in the:

• Brain may cause headaches, lightheadedness, and other signs of stroke such as speech and movement problems
• Legs may cause swelling, redness, and warmth
• Lungs can cause shortness of breath
• Heart can cause chest pain or a heart attack

Bleeding is often the first sign in acute DIC. Signs of bleeding include:

• Bruising that is more frequent or severe than expected
• Red spots on the skin that look like a series of tiny bruises
• Excess bleeding from wounds
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding from gums
• Blood in urine—may cause pink or brown urine
• Dark, tarry stool
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

If you have bleeding that does not stop or unexplained bleeding, call for emergency medical services right away.

Diagnosis    TOP

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Blood tests will also be done to look for abnormal levels of clotting factors and platelets.

Treatment    TOP

The underlying cause of DIC will need to be identified and treated. These treatments will vary by conditions.

To help manage the DIC itself your doctor may advise:

• Blood products—To help restore clotting factor balance. You may be given fresh frozen plasma, platelets, or cryoprecipitates.
• Heparin—Medicine that thins the blood. It may be given in combination with blood products to reduce blood clots.
• Antithrombin III—Medicine used to slow down clotting in certain patients.

Prevention    TOP

Prompt treatment for any of the conditions associated with DIC may reduce your risk for DIC.