Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening blood disorder where clotting proteins become overactive throughout the body, causing widespread formation of small blood clots in vessels while simultaneously depleting clotting factors and causing severe bleeding. It is caused by triggers such as severe bacterial infections (sepsis), major trauma, certain cancers, or complications during childbirth that activate the body's coagulation cascade abnormally. The D-Dimer test is the most important diagnostic marker for DIC because it measures the breakdown fragments of blood clots, which are markedly elevated during the rapid, widespread clot formation and breakdown that characterizes this condition.
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Disseminated intravascular coagulation is caused by severe underlying medical conditions that trigger abnormal activation of the blood clotting system throughout the body. The most common triggers include severe bacterial infections (sepsis), major trauma or injury, complications during pregnancy or childbirth (such as placental abruption or amniotic fluid embolism), certain cancers (particularly acute promyelocytic leukemia), and severe tissue damage from burns or surgery. These conditions release substances into the bloodstream that inappropriately activate clotting proteins, leading to widespread clot formation in small blood vessels while simultaneously consuming clotting factors and platelets, which paradoxically causes severe bleeding.
The D-Dimer test is the most important blood test for diagnosing disseminated intravascular coagulation because it detects the breakdown products of fibrin, which are dramatically elevated when the body is rapidly forming and dissolving blood clots throughout the circulation. In DIC, D-Dimer levels are typically markedly elevated, often 10 to 100 times above normal, making it a crucial diagnostic marker. Healthcare providers typically use D-Dimer testing along with other coagulation studies such as prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen levels, and platelet counts to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the clotting disorder.
You should get tested for DIC immediately if you develop unexplained bleeding from multiple sites (such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or blood in urine), easy bruising, or bleeding that won't stop after minor injuries, especially if you have a severe underlying condition like sepsis, recent major trauma, complications during pregnancy, or active cancer. Testing is also critical if you notice signs of organ dysfunction such as confusion, decreased urine output, or difficulty breathing in combination with bleeding symptoms. Because DIC is a medical emergency that can rapidly become life-threatening, anyone with risk factors who develops unusual bleeding or clotting symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and testing.
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Recommended actions
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Consider retesting in 3–6 months
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