Description
A serious impairment of blood-clotting mechanisms. Some process, usually an infection or cancer, causes the body to rapidly use the body's clotting factors and platelets. Small blood clots can clog arteries to important organs causing them to fail. In addition patients may experience excessive bleeding due to the decrease in clotting factors and platelets.
Symptoms
Bleeding, easy bruising, skin discoloration, low blood pressure.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are performed to diagnose the disorder. These tests will demonstrate low platelets, and defective clotting of blood. A search for the underlying cause of the DIC will also be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), D-Dimer
Other Specific Tests: Protime, activated partial thromboplastin, fibrin degradation products, fibrin split products
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are performed to diagnose the disorder. These tests will demonstrate low platelets, and defective clotting of blood. A search for the underlying cause of the DIC will also be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), D-Dimer
Other Specific Tests: Protime, activated partial thromboplastin, fibrin degradation products, fibrin split products
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Identification and treatment of the underlying cause (such as infection) is paramount. Transfusion of the missing blood clotting proteins is necessary. Occasionally heparin, a blood thinner, is prescribed to prevent further clotting.