Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

• Excessive and inappropriate activation of the haemostatic system
o Primary, secondary and fibrinolysis
• Microvascular thrombus formation
o end organ failure
• Clotting factor consumption
o Bruising, purpura and generalised bleeding

Question 2

what causes it?

Answer 2

• Sepsis
• Obstetric emergencies
• Malignancy
• Hypovolaemic shock

Question 3

how is it managed?

Answer 3

•	Treat the underlying cause
•	Replacement  therapy
o	Platelet transfusions
o	Plasma transfusions
o	Fibrinogen replacement