Disseminated intravascular coagulation – new pathophysiological concepts and impact on management

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an intermediary mechanism of disease which develops secondary to many causes including sepsis, trauma and malignancies. This review attempts to summarise the new pathophysiological developments and the impact they have on the current and future management of DIC.

Areas covered: Several publications detailing the pathophysiology of DIC and the clinical management were identified using a pubmed search.

Expert commentary: In recent years, on the initiatives of the international society of thrombosis and haemostasis, important advances have been made on the diagnostic aspect of DIC. In addition, several researchers have focused on the pathophysiology of the condition which is likely to provide better diagnostic markers and targeted therapy. However, some confusion still exists in the definition and management of DIC since various specialists understands the mechanisms involved in DIC from different perspectives.

KEYWORDS:

• Platelets
• coagulation
• histones
• disseminated intravascular coagulation
• anticoagulation

Declaration of interest

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.