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Disseminated intravascular coagulation historical perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omer Kamal, M.D.[2]

Overview

The syndrome of DIC is well known in the medical literature for centuries, although a more precise description of the underlying mechanisms had to await the 20th century. Initial ideas on a role of the contact activation system as the primary trigger for the systemic activation of coagulation as well as a presumed hyperfibrinolytic response in DIC have been found to be misconceptions.

Historical Perspective

The syndrome of DIC is well known in the medical literature for centuries, although a more precise description of the underlying mechanisms had to await the 20th century. Initial ideas on a role of the contact activation system as the primary trigger for the systemic activation of coagulation as well as a presumed hyperfibrinolytic response in DIC have been found to be misconceptions. [1]Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was first reported in the 19th century. As DIC is generally associated with an adverse outcome by most clinicians, and its acronym has been synonymous with “death is coming.”[2]

References

  1. Levi M, van der Poll T (November 2014). “A short contemporary history of disseminated intravascular coagulation”. Semin. Thromb. Hemost. 40 (8): 874–80. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1395155. PMID 25377321.
  2. Toh CH, Dennis M (October 2003). “Disseminated intravascular coagulation: old disease, new hope”. BMJ. 327 (7421): 974–7. doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7421.974. PMC 259170. PMID 14576251.


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