What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause when possible. For instance, a pregnant woman may need an urgent cesarean section to deliver her baby. Someone with a severe illness may need antibiotics. Someone with cancer may need chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Treatment can also be given for the DIC itself, if needed. A person with abnormal bleeding can be given blood transfusions to replace the platelets and other proteins that help blood to clot. Someone with abnormal blood clots can be given medications to thin the blood, called blood thinners or anticoagulants. An example of a blood thinner is a medication called heparin.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. A c-section, like any surgery, carries a risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia. Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Blood thinners such as heparin may cause abnormal bleeding or allergic reactions.

The benefits of treatment almost always outweigh the risks, as DIC can result in organ damage or death.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the underlying cause can be corrected, the DIC usually goes away. In this case, a person may need no further treatment or monitoring if organ damage has not occurred. If the underlying cause cannot be corrected, such as a cancer that has spread throughout the body, treatment often does not stop. Death may result if treatment is unsuccessful.

How is the condition monitored?

Repeat blood tests are often used to monitor the status of the body's blood clotting mechanisms. Other monitoring is related to the cause of the DIC.