title: Laboratory testing in disseminated intravascular coagulation.
abstract: The lack of improvement in the clinical prognosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) poses searching questions on the value of current laboratory testing in this area. There is little immediate chance of advancement unless new tests or new modes of analyzing currently available tests place an emphasis on identifying the early phase of DIC. An equal emphasis is also required on practicality to ensure that recommendations are applicable to the routine clinical setting. These two priorities need to be fulfilled to facilitate earlier therapeutic intervention in the clinical trials required for formal assessment of promising and emerging new molecules from successful animal studies. This article therefore discusses the advantages and disadvantages of available assays in DIC with these perspectives in mind. It also proposes a format to bring together the necessary elements required to make an impact on ultimately delivering clinical improvement in this critical area.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Haematology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom. toh@liv.ac.uk
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Toh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers