Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is an abnormality of the proteins that control blood clotting. First they are activated to form small clots obstructing blood vessels and, at a later stage, these proteins are depleted and result in an increased risk of bleeding due to an inability to clot.
The most common triggering causes are infections, inflammation and cancer.
Among the most common symptoms are bleeding, bruising and a drop in blood pressure.
Diagnosis is reached through the collection of a detailed medical history and a full physical examination. Diagnostic confirmation is obtained by blood tests quantifying the clotting factors.
There is no specific treatment, but a transfusion of plasma or administration of heparin may be necessary, depending on the stage of the disease. The main point is treating the cause that triggered the condition.
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