Overview of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, is a very serious impairment of blood-clotting mechanisms. Here, some process causes the body to rapidly use of the body's clotting factors and platelets. Due to the decrease in clotting factors and platelets that develops, bruising and excessive bleeding can occur. This disorder stems from a complication of another underlying disorder.
Causes of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
DIC is caused by the consumption of clotting factors and platelets. These are rapidly consumed, triggered by some other process. Disorders that can lead to DIC include pregnancy abnormalities, such as placenta previa, abruptio placenta or toxemia or widespread and major infections. Recent surgery, cancer and extensive tissue destruction, such as might occur with burns, can produce DIC. Poisonous snakebites and the transfusion of mismatched blood, both can produce DIC.
Signs and Symptoms of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
DIC produces unexpected and uncontrollable bleeding and hemorrhage in any part of the body. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract can lead to vomiting blood, or black tarry stools. Vaginal bleeding can occur, with heavy, prolonged or unexpected menstrual bleeding. Blood can develop in the urine and in the stool. Nose bleeds may occur. Bleeding from the brain may be signified by a change in the level of consciousness, headaches, nausea and vomiting or focal neurological symptoms. These focal neurological symptoms include weakness, sensory loss, speech problems, visual problems or seizures. Bleeding in the abdominal cavity can produce abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and shock. Nausea and vomiting can occur. Irritation of the diaphragms can lead to shoulder pain. Bleeding in the chest will produce chest pain, shortness of breath and cough. All of these disorders will lead to rapid heart beat, pallor, generalized weakness and exercise intolerance.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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