Disseminated intravascular coagulation and related syndromes: etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is being recognized with increased frequency and not only are newer diagnostic modalities becoming available for this syndrome, but newer, some controversial, methods of management are also being recognized and may prove to increase survival in DIC. In addition, several syndromes classically considered separate, definitive disease entities, may actually share similar or identical pathophysiology to DIC. This review summarized current, as well as controversial aspects of etiology, pathophysiology, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of DIC. In addition, a brief discussion of syndromes which may share similar or identical pathophysiology to DIC is included.