Diffuse Intravascular Coagulation Versus Fibrinolysis

Abstract

The manifestations of diffuse intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis overlap, as do the conditions in which these hemostatic disorders occur. However, the platelet count is markedly reduced in the early stages of diffuse intravascular coagulation and is almost normal in the early stages of fibrinolysis. Since heparin often can control diffuse intravascular coagulation and since epsilon aminocaproic acid is effective in fibrinolytic states, differential diagnosis is vital.