Advanced
Technical
IVT
DIC
Also written as: DIC — disseminated intravascular coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation; systemic activation of blood clotting leading to widespread microthrombi and bleeding.
Full Definition
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a life-threatening condition where the body's clotting system becomes overactive, forming blood clots throughout small blood vessels. This consumes clotting factors and platelets, paradoxically leading to severe bleeding. Common in surgical patients with sepsis, massive trauma, or obstetric emergencies, requiring immediate intervention with blood products and treatment of underlying cause.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in patient documentation.
In Context
- "Laboratory findings confirmed DIC with prolonged PT/PTT and decreased fibrinogen." — laboratory report
- "The patient's DIC was managed with fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate." — progress note
Also known as
disseminated intravascular coagulation
consumptive coagulopathy
Don't confuse with
DVT
PE