disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Chapter: 7
A form of coagulopathy where the intrinsic or extrinsic coagulation pathway is activated within the confines of the vascular system. This leads to the formation of microthrombi throughout the body, and the consumption of platelets and fibrinogen. This depletion of clotting factors has lead to the synonym for DIC of consumption coagulopathy. Ironically, the consumption of platelets and fibrinogen in microthrombi ultimately leads to uncontrolled hemorrhage (see pg 572-573, Figure 20-17).
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