Recent Advances in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: Endothelial Cells and Fibrinolysis in Sepsis-Induced DIC

Abstract

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is characterized by systemic activation of blood coagulation, which results in generation and deposition of fibrin, leading to microvascular thrombi in various organs and contributing to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). DIC exists in both acute and chronic forms. Acute DIC develops when sudden exposure of blood to procoagulants (e.g., tissue factor [TF], or tissue thromboplastin) generates intravascular coagulation. In contrast, chronic DIC reflects a compensated state that develops when blood is continuously or intermittently exposed to small amounts of TF. DIC may occur in 30-50% of patients with sepsis, and it develops in an estimated 1% of all hospitalized patients. DIC occurs at all ages and in all races, and no particular sex predisposition has been noted.