🩸 DIC Syndrome Calculator
Assess Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC) using the ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis) scoring system. Enter lab results to determine the probability of overt DIC.
📊 DIC Score Results
What Is DIC?
DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy), also called consumption coagulopathy, is a syndrome where patients paradoxically have both too much and too little clotting simultaneously.
The process begins with systemic activation of coagulation. Clotting goes out of control, rapidly consuming coagulation factors and platelets. This consumption causes uncontrolled bleeding in other parts of the body.
DIC is not a disease itself — it's a syndrome with an underlying cause. The most common causes include:
- Sepsis and severe infections
- Trauma (especially extensive)
- Organ injuries
- Obstetric complications
- Cancers (especially malignant)
Signs and Symptoms of DIC
Symptoms arise from both organ ischemia (from clotting) and uncontrolled bleeding:
Acute DIC
- Severe bleeding (from wounds, nose, birth canal)
- Ischemic organ failure (liver, kidney)
- Symptoms of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
- Shock
- Lab findings: low platelets, elevated fibrin degradation products, prolonged PT, and high INR
Chronic DIC
Occurs mostly with persistent conditions like malignant cancers. Presents as a bleeding disorder with tendencies for bleeding gums, nosebleeds, easy bruising, and petechiae (small red spots on skin and mucosa).
ISTH DIC Scoring System
The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis developed this scoring system to diagnose overt DIC:
| Parameter | Finding | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Platelet Count | ≥ 100,000 /μL | 0 |
| 50,000 – 100,000 /μL | 1 | |
| < 50,000 /μL | 2 | |
| Fibrin Markers (D-dimer/FDP) | No increase | 0 |
| Moderate increase | 2 | |
| Strong increase | 3 | |
| PT Prolongation | < 3 seconds | 0 |
| 3 – 6 seconds | 1 | |
| ≥ 6 seconds | 2 | |
| Fibrinogen Level | ≥ 1.0 g/L | 0 |
| < 1.0 g/L | 1 |
Interpretation
| Total Score | Interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ 5 | Compatible with overt DIC | Treat underlying cause, supportive care, repeat daily |
| < 5 | Not suggestive of overt DIC | Repeat assessment every 24 hours if symptoms persist |
HELLP Syndrome vs. DIC
| Feature | HELLP | DIC |
|---|---|---|
| Context | Pregnancy (preeclampsia variant) | Trauma, infection, malignancy |
| Signs | Nausea, abdominal pain, hypertension | Bleeding and/or ischemic symptoms |
| Lab Results | ↓ Platelets, ↑ liver enzymes, ↑ bilirubin, ↑ LDH | ↓ Platelets, ↑ fibrin markers, ↑ PT |
| Treatment | Delivery, platelet infusion, monitoring | Treat cause, blood/clotting agents, monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent DIC?
There is no specific prevention for DIC. If you have chronic illnesses, ensure they are well-controlled. Follow your physician's instructions closely.
How is DIC treated?
- Treating the underlying cause (sepsis, organ failure, trauma)
- Blood, platelets, or plasma transfusion
- Heparin administration — when thrombosis is the major problem (controversial)
- Tranexamic acid — when bleeding is the major problem
What causes DIC?
Causes include extensive trauma, infections/sepsis, organ injury, obstetric complications, malignant cancers, and acute transfusion reactions.
Can you survive DIC?
Yes, DIC is survivable with prompt treatment. However, it may leave some patients with long-term complications such as organ insufficiency. Acute DIC is a medical emergency requiring immediate care.