Fortnightly Review: Disseminated intravascular coagulation: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Summary points Disseminated intravascular coagulation is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and laboratory tests are used to confirm the diagnosis and monitor replacement of blood componentsTests required are platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and a measure of fibrinogen degradation productsTreatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation is primarily that of the underlying conditionMaintenance of blood volume and tissue perfusion is essential in all cases of disseminated intravascular coagulationReplacement of blood components is indicated if the patient is bleeding or an invasive procedure is required and must be monitored Summary points Disseminated intravascular coagulation is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and laboratory tests are used to confirm the diagnosis and monitor replacement of blood componentsTests required are platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and a measure of fibrinogen degradation productsTreatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation is primarily that of the underlying conditionMaintenance of blood volume and tissue perfusion is essential in all cases of disseminated intravascular coagulationReplacement of blood components is indicated if the patient is bleeding or an invasive procedure is required and must be monitored