Disseminated

Intravascular
Coagulation
Presented by Kate Cajefe
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the
widespread activation of clotting cascade that
result in the formation of blood clots in the small
blood vessel throughout the body. It is a rare and
serious condition that disrupts your blood flow It is
a blood clotting disorder that can turn into
uncontrollable bleeding.
 Pathophysiology

Bleeding into organs, along with microvascular

thromboses, may cause dysfunction and failure in multiple
organs. Delayed dissolution of fibrin polymers by
fibrinolysis may result in the mechanical disruption of red
blood cells, producing schistocytes and mild intravascular
hemolysis.
Etiology
Acute DIC

Sub Acute DIC

Chronic DIC
 ACUTE DIC
Acute DIC develops quickly (over hours or
days) and must be treated right away.
Tissue Damage
Extensive burns and trauma
Severe head injury
Transplant rejections
 SUB ACUTE DIC
1.
Malignant disease
Myeloproliferative malignancies
Metastatic cancer

2.
Obstetric
Retained dead fetus
 CHRONIC DIC

Chronic DIC develops slowly (over weeks or months)

Liver Disease
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Localized malignancy
 Signs and
Symptoms
Symptoms of DIC

Bleeding from many sites in the

body
Blood clots
Bruising
Drop in blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Confusion, memory loss change
of behavior.
How do healthcare providers diagnose disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

Complete blood count (CBC).

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
Prothrombin time (PT) test. This test measures the
time it takes for your blood to clot.
Fibrinogen blood test.
D-dimer.
 DIC PHARMACOLOGY

Heparin is the only currently available antithrombotic

drug that has a role in the treatment of patients with
DIC. Although most experience is with standard
heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are
increasingly used.
 Surgical
Interventions

Management and Treatment

Plasma transfusions to reduce bleeding. Plasma

transfusion replace blood clotting factors affected
by DIC. Transfusions of red blood cells and platelets.
Anti-coagulant medication (blood thinners) to
prevent blood clotting.
 Nursing Interventions

Assess and monitor respiratory status; note rate,

rhythm, cyanosis; auscultate the lungs for areas of
absent air movement
Assess for changes in level of consciousness
Provide wound care and pressure for external bleeding
Administer medications and blood products as
necessary