Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Paper

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an activation of the clotting cascade resulting in widespread thrombosis, which leads to depletion of platelets and coagulation factors and excessive thrombolysis (Ramin & Ramin, 2013). The cascade of events related to DIC has the potential to lead to hemorrhage, thrombosis, and/or multi-organ failure (Ramin & Ramin, 2013). As with any issue of morbidity during pregnancy, treatment of DIC requires a strategic approach which will allow for cautious and efficient care that focuses on the lives of the mother and fetus. For instance, a woman who has been diagnosed with DIC and is actively bleeding may require a delay in delivery in order to receive a blood transfusion; however, this delay may not be the safest intervention if the fetus is danger (Ramin & Ramin, 2013).
Ramin & Ramin (2013) suggests the clotting cascade which occurs with DIC in the pregnant woman “may be initiated by release of procoagulant substances, due to significant injury to, or necrosis of, fetoplacental tissue, as in abruption placentae and retained fetal demise. Additionally, Ramin & Ramin (2013) propose some other causes of DIC include amniotic fluid embolism; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP syndrome). Of all the potential causes of DIC, Ramin & Ramin’s (2013) study revealed abruption placentae as the most significant of potential