Sepsis-induced DIC

PulmCrit (EMCrit)

Coagulation balance in sepsis-associated DIC

PulmCrit - December 5, 2016 by Josh Farkas

• "Sepsis-induced DIC is distinct from other types of DIC.
• S-DIC doesn’t cause low fibrinogen levels. It is generally noticed due to a thrombocytopenia.
• Despite thrombocytopenia, most patients with S-DIC are hyper-coagulable or norma-coagulable. The sickest patients are hypocoagulable, indicating poor prognosis.
• Patients with S-DIC and platelet count >30,000/mm3 should receive DVT prophylaxis.
• Blood products should generally be avoided in patients with S-DIC who aren’t bleeding.
• Purpura fulminans is an extreme form of S-DIC which may require more aggressive therapy (e.g. plasma exchange)."