Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), also known as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy or less commonly as consumptive coagulopathy, is a pathological process characterized by the widespread activation of the clotting cascade that results in the formation of blood clots in the small blood vessels throughout the body. This leads to compromise of tissue blood flow and can ultimately lead to multiple organ damage. In addition, as the coagulation process consumes clotting factors and platelets, normal clotting is disrupted and severe bleeding can occur from various sites. Studies show an experimental animal model of disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by the co-infusion of coagulant-active phospholipid and activated Factor X (Factor Xa) is described. Some other DIC models are inducedby high molecular dextran, active tissular thrombin and endotoxin of coliform etc..