Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is always secondary to some process that leads to pathologic and systemic production of thrombin. These stimuli may either be very brisk, yet brief and limited (such as various obstetrical emergencies), or sustained and chronic (e.g., cancer, chronic aortic aneurysms, and various infections). Liver disease, whether appreciated or occult, increases the…