6533b851fe1ef96bd12a8c77

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

subject

description

During the past decade, diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been one of the most intensively studied subjects in hematology. DIC is a dynamic pathologic process caused by the entrance of foreign material into the circulation, or by exposure to abnormal surfaces. The intravascular coagulation is triggered by activation of the clotting cascade with resultant generation of excess thrombin within the vascular system that leads to further activation of the coagulation system, shortened survival of certain hemostatic elements, deposition of fibrin in the microcirculation, and activation of the fibrinolytic system. Decreased levels of hemostatic factors, secondary fibrinolysis, and exhaustion of the physiologic inhibitors (AT III and SRE) may result in clinically excessive bleeding, particularly when the patient’s blood vessels have been damaged. In contrast, fibrin deposition may cause micro- or macro-thrombosis, and occasionally results in a fragmentation-type hemolytic anemia (Fig. 1).