| disseminated intravascular coagulation n. Abbr. DIC A hemorrhagic disorder that occurs following the uncontrolled activation of clotting factors and fibrinolytic enzymes throughout small blood vessels, resulting in tissue necrosis and bleeding. Also called consumption coagulopathy. |
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
A serious medical condition that develops when the normal balance between bleeding and clotting is disturbed. Excessive bleeding and clotting injures body organs, and causes anemia or death.
Mentioned in: Fibrin Split Products, Prothrombin Time
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Etymology: L, dis + seminare, to sow, intra, within, vasculum, little vessel, coagulare, to curdle
a grave coagulopathy resulting from the overstimulation of clotting and anticlotting processes in response to disease or injury, such as septicemia, acute hypotension, poisonous snakebites, neoplasms, obstetric emergencies, severe trauma, extensive surgery, and hemorrhage. The primary disorder initiates generalized intravascular clotting, which in turn overstimulates fibrinolytic mechanisms; as a result the initial hypercoagulability is succeeded by a deficiency in clotting factors with hypocoagulability and hemorrhaging. Diagnosis is based on the presence of degradation products. Also called consumption coagulopathy, defibrination syndrome.
observations Purpura on the lower extremities and abdomen, reflecting fibrin deposits in capillaries, is a common first sign of DIC. Hemorrhagic bullae, acral cyanosis, and focal gangrene in the skin and mucous membranes may follow. Hemorrhages from incisions or catheter or injection sites, GI bleeding, hematuria, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, progressive hypotension, tachycardia, absence of peripheral pulses, restlessness, convulsions, or coma may occur. Laboratory studies generally show a marked deficiency of blood platelets, low levels of fibrinogen and other clotting factors, prolonged prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, and abnormal erythrocyte morphologic characteristics.
interventions Treatment of the primary disorder is essential in the management of DIC or patients actively bleeding into a closed space, for example, the head or the chest. Use of heparin is controversial. It may be infused intravenously to prevent clot formation but may increase bleeding. Heparin is not always used for surgical patients with DIC or patients actively bleeding into a closed space, for example. Transfusions of whole blood, plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and other blood products are administered to replace depleted factors. Patients are maintained in a quiet, nonstressful environment and are protected from trauma and bleeding. The side rails of the bed are padded. Foam or cotton swabs are used for mouth care.
nursing considerations The care of a patient with life-threatening DIC requires monitoring of vital signs, observation for evidence of bleeding, extremely gentle handling, maintenance of a safe environment, and emotional support.
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
(disem´
nātd in´trvas´kylr kōag´ylā´shn),
n a grave coagulopathy resulting from the overstimulation of clotting and anticlotting processes in response to disease or injury, such as septicemia, acute hypotension, poisonous snake bites, neoplasms, and severe trauma.
nātd in´trvas´kylr kōag´ylā´shn), n a grave coagulopathy resulting from the overstimulation of clotting and anticlotting processes in response to disease or injury, such as septicemia, acute hypotension, poisonous snake bites, neoplasms, and severe trauma.
intravascular
within a vessel or vessels.
disseminated intravascular coagulation
see disseminated intravascular coagulation.
intravascular fluid
that part of the total body fluid that is within the vascular system.
intravascular space
the space occupied by the blood.
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