DIC (widespread clotting and bleeding)

Overview

DIC uses up clotting factors, so both clots and bleeding happen.

It's caused by severe illness like sepsis, major trauma, or pregnancy complications.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Bleeding from many places
• Easy bruising
• Very sick
• Bruising easily or bleeding for a long time

Less common

• Purple spots
• Bleeding from IV sites

When to get medical care

Causes

Severe illness.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with sepsis: The most common cause
• People with severe injuries, cancer, or pregnancy problems: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Sudden kidney problem (acute kidney injury): From tiny clots
• Stroke: From clots or bleeding in the brain

Diagnosis

This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Clotting tests:

Treatment

Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:

Self-care

• Emergency care

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a hematologist (blood doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Can follow placental abruption.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treating the cause is key.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What follow-up care do I need?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on DIC (widespread clotting and bleeding)