Disseminated intravascular coagulation: Clinical and laboratory aspects

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex acquired coagulopathy resulting from excessive thrombin formation. Abnormal tissue factor (TF) expression is a major mechanism initiating DIC in many disorders, including obstetrical complications, sepsis, cancer, and trauma. Numerous laboratory tests are available to monitor DIG, but most patients are adequately managed using only routine hemostasis screening tests, and assays for fibrinogen and D-dimer, Treatment of DIC should focus on reversing the underlying disorder initiating the coagulopathy. Novel treatments are being investigated for treating DIG; many of these experimental modalities target the excessive if activity that characterizes DIG. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.