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 Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

DIC is a blood coagulation condition with a long list of causes.  Most commonly it is be seen as a consequence of severe infections, advanced cancer or a terminal event.  It can also be seen in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia at the time of diagnosis.  DIC is due to overactivation of the coagulation system, leading to consumption of coagulation factors and platelets.  The overactive coagulation system causes formation of Fibrin strands (coagulation protein) in very small blood vessels and thereby causing destruction of red blood cells.  Absorption of coagulation factors and consumption of platelets all lead to a bleeding tendency and if severe, can be life threatening.

treatment of DIC is aimed at underlying disease causing it, like antibiotics for infections and also usage of blood products in case of a bleeding episode.