DIC Flashcards
1
Q
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation?
A
Activation of coagulation system causing blood clots
This uses up all platelets and clotting factors so causes thrombocytopenia and haemorrhaging
2
Q
How does DIC happen?
A
Sepsis
Major damage to organs
Severe immune reactions
Cancer
3
Q
Symptoms of DIC?
A
- Uncontrollable bleeding from several areas of your body.
- Bruising
- confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- fever
- Drop in BP
4
Q
How to treat DIC?
A
- No specific treatment, just supportive- need to determine underlying cause
- Plasma transfusions - replaces clotting factors in blood if lots of bleeding occurs
- Blood thinner medicine (heparin, warfarin) to prevent clotting if it occurs
