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disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC)    a coagulopathy (bleeding disorder) characterized by abnormal reduction in the elements involved in blood clotting due to their use in widespread intravascular clotting. It may be a secondary complication of any of numerous obstetrical, surgical, infectious, hemolytic, and neoplastic disorders, all of which activate in some way the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. Paradoxically, the intravascular clotting ultimately produces hemorrhage because of rapid consumption of fibrinogen, platelets, prothrombin, and coagulation factors V, VIII, and X. Because of this pathology, the condition is sometimes called defibrination syndrome or consumption coagulopathy.




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