Etiopathophysiology of disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) involves activation of clotting as well as fibrinolytic pathways. Thrombosis from thrombin release results in end-organ damage, whereas consumption of coagulation factors results in bleeding. Sepsis is the commonest cause of DIC. The consumption of antithrombin in sepsis abrogates its anti-inflammatory role and so its low level is a poor prognostic marker in sepsis. The increased release of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as seen in sepsis decreases fibrinolysis and promotes increased microvascular thrombosis. Here, we discuss the role of inhibitors of coagulation, cytokines, kinins, complement and vasoactive peptides in DIC.