Treatment of DIC Where Thrombosis Predominates: Arterial and Venous Thromboembolism
Clinical Scenario
This protocol addresses disseminated intravascular coagulation in which thrombotic manifestations are the dominant clinical feature. The relevant presentations include:
- Arterial or venous thromboembolism
- Severe purpura fulminans associated with acral ischaemia
- Vascular skin infarction
Treatment Approach
When thrombosis predominates in DIC, therapeutic anticoagulation with heparin is the cornerstone of management. For patients in whom there is a concurrent high risk of bleeding, specific considerations around the type and delivery of heparin anticoagulation apply — the full clinical decision pathway is available in the structured protocol.
Complete regimen, dosing parameters, and algorithm — behind the link below.
References
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07600.x
In cases of DIC where thrombosis predominates, such as arterial or venous thromboembolism, severe purpura fulminans associated with acral ischaemia or vascular skin infarction therapeutic doses of heparin should be considered.
In these patients where there is perceived to be a co-existing high risk of bleeding there may be benefits in using continuous infusion UFH due to its short half-life and reversibility.
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