Gene/Protein
Disease
Symptom
Drug
Enzyme
Compound
Pivot Concepts:
Gene/Protein
Disease
Symptom
Drug
Enzyme
Compound
Target Concepts:
Gene/Protein
Disease
Symptom
Drug
Enzyme
Compound
Query: UMLS:C0012739 (
disseminated intravascular coagulation
)
8,673
document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
syndromes can be defined as the formation of fibrin deposits within the microcirculation, occurring in definite clinical situations. Their biological counterpart is a
consumption coagulopathy
. The clinical profiles of
DIC
have been well known for decades, are multiform and range from latency to overwhelming haemorrhagic diatheses, including also characteristic but rare situations, such as purpura fulminans, acral cyanosis and pictures resembling thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. Biological tests of
DIC
show a
consumption coagulopathy
, displayed on the standard haemostasis sheet; along with signs of paracoagulation and/or of secondary fibrinolysis (FDP). New tests have recently been introduced: D-dimers are specific and sensible; Antithrombin-III, protein C and alpha 2-antiplasmin also can sometimes be useful. The knowledge of the pathophysiology of
DIC
has made advances with passing years. Fibrin deposits may be non-occlusive, and indeed they are swiftly removed by a secondary fibrinolysis. Except in very rare situations, such as those leading to a cortical renal necrosis, and perhaps in some ARDS, there is little evidence relating
DIC
to organ failure syndromes. Moreover, there is no clear relationship between the severity of the
consumption coagulopathy
and the prognosis. For instance, the mortality is much lower in abruptio placentae, where the coagulopathy is very severe, than in septic shock, where it is usually moderate. In septic shock, the disorders of haemostasis were related initially to a platelet activation, then to an activation of the contact system (releasing kinins and triggering complement cascade), and nowadays to the activation of the extrinsic coagulation system. The treatment of
DIC
is mainly the treatment of its cause. Indications for heparin therapy should be strictly limited to a few exceptional circumstances. When haemorrhagic diathesis threatens,
FPC
and/or platelet transfusion may be indicated. Aprotinin can be useful in rare cases of overwhelming secondary fibrinolysis. Trials with antithrombin-III or C1-esterase inhibitors are in progress.
...
PMID:[Disseminated intravascular coagulations]. 900 11
