Does disseminated intravascular coagulation lead to multiple organ failure?

Abstract

Microvascular dysfunction with its associated impaired regional oxygen transport and use is believed to be the final common pathway in the development of multiple organ failure. The precise mechanisms underlying this dysfunction, however, are uncertain. Activation of the coagulation system is a key feature in the pathogenesis of sepsis, but whether it is also the cause of multiple organ failure is unclear. This article discusses the evidence for and against a key role for disseminated intravascular coagulation in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure.

• Authors: Jean-Louis Vincent, Daniel De Backer
• Journal: Critical care clinics (Crit Care Clin) Vol. 21 Issue 3 Pg. 469-77 (Jul 2005) ISSN: 0749-0704 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15992668 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (blood, complications, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Microcirculation
• Multiple Organ Failure (etiology)
• Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (complications, mortality)