Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2001
ReviewPathogenesis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the septic patient.
The incidence of sepsis and complications stemming from septicemia has remained constant in recent years despite improved levels of monitoring and care. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a syndrome that occurs frequently in septic patients, is associated with increased mortality. Organ dysfunction is also a common sequela that is strongly correlated with DIC. ⋯ Recent clinical trials have supported the use of antithrombin and activated protein C supplementation in DIC associated with severe sepsis. Studies of other novel therapeutic avenues are still ongoing. Future efforts may be directed at combining 2 or more agents to achieve prompt and successful reversal of DIC.