[Drowning-induced hyperfibrinolytic disseminated intravascular coagulation].

This article summarizes the current knowledge of drowning-induced hyperfibrinolytic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Drowning induces respiratory failure with ensuing cardiac arrest, hypoxaemia and ischaemia. A coagulopathy is induced by ischaemia, acidosis and hypothermia, and clinically the patient develops uncontrolled bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis. A rapid diagnostic approach is required to recognize this hyperfibrinolytic state, since initiation of treatment with antifibrinolytics and fibrinogen concentrate may bring this life-threatening condition to cessation.