Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, aka consumptive coagulopathy) is widespread activation of the clotting cascade, causing blood clots to form in the small blood vessels throughout the body.

• This causes compromise of tissue blood flow → causes multiple organ damage
• As the coagulation process consumes clotting factors and platelets, normal clotting is disrupted → severe bleeding occurs from various sites
• DIC doesn't occur by itself, but only as a complicating factor from another underlying condition, usually in critical illnesses

• Lab tests
• Clinical background

• Tx Underlying condition

• Multiple organ damage
• Severe bleeding
• Increased risk of death → widespread loss of tissue blood flow, and simultaneous bleeding

• Can range from mild to severe