Disseminated intravascular coagulation.

The diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was initially based on the detection of microthrombi. Current diagnosis involves laboratory assessment of hemostatic abnormalities although additional studies may often be necessary. DIC is characterized by hypercoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis and is caused by high offense factors or low defense factors. DIC is divided two stages: overt-DIC and non-overt-DIC. The diagnosis of overt-DIC state is based on the criteria developed by the International Society of Thrombosis Haemostasis in conjunction with the Japanese Ministry Health and Welfare. However, no criteria are currently available for the diagnosis of non-overt DIC. Although scientifically supported modalities for treatment of DIC are few, the use of activated protein C (APC) and low-molecular-weight heparin appear to hold promise. Copyright 2004 Elsevier B.V.