Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of disseminated intravascular coagulation: a literature review.
BACKGROUND
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is an acquired syndrome characterized by systemic intravascular activation of coagulation, leading to deposition of fibrin in the circulation, occurring in the course of severe diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To review literature for articles that focus on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of DIC.


METHODS
Selected articles from the Index Medicus data base.


BACKGROUND
Recent studies have elucidate the pathogenic pathways that can trigger DIC. However, clinical and laboratory diagnosis of the syndrome remains difficult, as there is no single laboratory test, sensitive and specific enough, to allow a definitive diagnosis of DIC. Cornerstone for the treatment of DIC remains the optimal management of the underlying disorder. However, therapeutic interventions based on our present knowledge of the pathogenesis of DIC may be appropriate.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent research on DIC, resulted in the development of diagnostic algorithms for the diagnosis of the syndrome and better supportive therapeutic strategies.
Dalainas
I
I
492 General Military Hospital, Alexandroupolis, Greece. hdlns@freemail.gr
D000465:Algorithms; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D024764:Hirudin Therapy; D006801:Humans
D000925:Anticoagulants