1) Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition where abnormal blood clotting occurs throughout the body's blood vessels, consuming platelets and clotting factors and eventually causing bleeding. 2) DIC is caused by underlying conditions such as infection, injury, cancer or shock and results in microclots forming in small blood vessels. 3) Symptoms of DIC include bleeding, organ dysfunction, and low platelet and clotting factor levels. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause as well as replacing clotting factors and platelets if serious bleeding occurs.

1. Mr. HIREN GEHLOTH
JG COLLEGE OF NURSING

2. INTRODUCTION

3. • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare but serious condition
that causes abnormal blood clotting throughout the body’s blood vessels. It
is caused by another disease or condition, such as an infection or injury, that
makes the body’s normal blood clotting process become overactive.
• DIC is not a disease but a sign of an underlying condition.
• DIC may be triggered by sepsis, trauma, cancer, shock,
abruptio placenta, toxins, or allergic reactions.
• The severity of DIC is variable, but it is potentially
life-threatening.

5. “Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is a
syndrome in which either intrinsic or extrinsic or
both pathways are activated to produce multiple
fibrin clots in small blood vessels. The resultant
reduction in the coagulation factors and platelets
results in bleeding.”
DEFINITION

8. • In DIC, the normal hemostatic mechanisms are altered so that tiny clots form
within the microcirculation of the body.
• These clots consume platelets and clotting factors, eventually causing
coagulation to fail and bleeding to result.
• This bleeding disorder is characterized by low platelet and fibrinogen levels;
prolonged prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and
thrombin time; and elevated fibrin degradation products (D-dimers).
• The primary prognostic factor is the ability to treat the underlying condition
that precipitated DIC.
PATHOPHYSIOLOG
Y

9. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
• Clinical manifestations of DIC are primarily
reflected in compromised organ function or
failure, usually a result of excessive clot
formation (with resultant ischemia to all or part
of the organ) or, less often, bleeding.
• Patient may bleed from mucous membranes,
venipuncture sites, and gastrointestinal and
urinary tracts.
• Bleeding can range from minimal occult
internal bleeding to profuse hemorrhage from
all orifices.

10. • Patients typically develop multiple organ dysfunction
syndrome (MODS), and they may exhibit renal failure
as well as pulmonary and multifocal central nervous
system infarctions as a result of microthromboses,
macrothromboses, or hemorrhages.
• Initially, the only manifestation is a progressive
decrease in the platelet count; then, progressively, the
patient exhibits signs and symptoms of thrombosis in
the organs involved. Eventually bleeding occurs (at
first subtle, advancing to frank hemorrhage). Signs
depend on the organs involved.

11. ASSESSMENT AND DAIGNOSTIC EVALUATION
• Clinically, the diagnosis of DIC is often established by a drop in platelet count, an
increase in PT and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), an elevation in
fibrin degradation products, and measurement of one or more clotting factors and
inhibitors (eg, antithrombin [AT]).
• The International Society on Thrombosis and
Haemostasis has developed a highly
sensitive and specific scoring system
using the platelet count, fibrin
degradation products, PT, and fibrinogen
level to diagnose DIC.

12. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
• The most important management issue is treating the underlying cause of
DIC. A second goal is to correct the secondary effects of tissue ischemia by
improving oxygenation, replacing fluids, correcting electrolyte imbalances,
and administering vasopressor medications.
• If serious hemorrhage occurs, the depleted coagulation factors and platelets
may be replaced (cryoprecipitate to replace fibrinogen and factors V and
VII; fresh-frozen plasma to replace other coagulation factors).
• A heparin infusion, which is a controversial management method, may be
used to interrupt the thrombosis process.

13. NURSING MANAGEMENT
Maintaining Hemodynamic Status
• Avoid procedures and activities that can increase intracranial pressure,
such as coughing and straining.
• Closely monitor vital signs, including neurologic checks, and assess for
the amount of external bleeding.
• Avoid medications that interfere with platelet function, if possible (eg,
beta-lactam antibiotics, acetylsalicylic acid, nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs).
• Avoid rectal probes and rectal or intramuscular injection medications.
• Use low pressure with any suctioning.

14. • Administer oral hygiene carefully: use sponge-tipped swabs, salt or soda
mouth rinses; avoid lemon-glycerine swabs, hydrogen peroxide, commercial
mouthwashes.
• Avoid dislodging any clots, including those around IV sites, injection sites,
and so forth.
Maintaining Skin Integrity
• Assess skin, with particular attention to bony prominences and skin folds.
• Reposition carefully; use pressure-reducing mattress and lamb’s wool between
digits and around ears and soft absorbent material in skin folds, as needed.
• Perform skin care every 2 hours; administer oral hygiene carefully.
•Use prolonged pressure (5 minutes minimum) after essential injections.

15. Monitoring for Imbalanced Fluid Volume
•Auscultate breath sounds every 2 to 4 hours.
• Monitor extent of edema.
• Monitor volume of IV medications and blood products; decrease
volume of IV medications if possible.
•Administer diuretics as prescribed.
Assessing for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion Related to Micro thrombi
• Assess neurologic, pulmonary, and skin systems.
• Monitor response to heparin therapy; monitor fibrinogen levels.
• Assess extent of bleeding.
• Stop epsilon-aminocaproic acid if symptoms of thrombosis occur.

16. Reducing Fear and Anxiety
• Identify previous coping mechanisms, if possible; encourage patient to use them
as appropriate.
• Explain all procedures and rationale in terms that the patient and family can
understand.
•Assist family in supporting patient.
• Use services from behavioral medicine and clergy, if desired.