Abstract
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an intermediary mechanism of disease
known to develop as a complication in other conditions like sepsis, trauma, cancer,
or obstetrical disorders. Patients with DIC may present to different specialists depending
on symptomology and as such a good understanding of the pathophysiological process
is necessary to ensure best management. However, more recently, controversy has risen
where experts doubt whether DIC really exists in many of the historically well-established
diagnoses. This has led to confusion among both basic science researchers and clinical
practitioners about when to consider DIC diagnosis. In this review, the various issues
which have led to this uncertainty are addressed, including the problem with different
terminologies, simpler explanation of current DIC diagnostic criteria, and reasons
behind why the diagnosis may be overlooked or not considered at all, along with their
possible solutions. It is hoped that the diagnostic aspects of DIC will come full
circle, wherein the recent research can build up on what history had taught us and
not refute its existence.
Keywords
disseminated intravascular coagulation - coagulopathy - thrombocytopenia - sepsis
- trauma
