Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in obstetrics is commonly seen associated with massive hemorrhage due to different etiological factors. It may also be seen with intrauterine demise, infections, and hepatic conditions. It is associated with very high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A battery of laboratory tests (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and plasma fibrinogen) can be used in the diagnosis, but no single test in isolation is sensitive and specific enough for diagnosis. Cornerstone of management is to identify the underlying pathology for disseminated intravascular coagulation. This chapter looks into molecular basis of obstetric DIC and identifies important laboratory tests, along with management. It also identifies topics of future research in the field of obstetric DIC.