The lack of improvement in the clinical prognosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC) poses searching questions on the value of current laboratory testing in this
area. There is little immediate chance of advancement unless new tests or new modes
of analyzing currently available tests place an emphasis on identifying the early
phase of DIC. An equal emphasis is also required on practicality to ensure that recommendations
are applicable to the routine clinical setting. These two priorities need to be fulfilled
to facilitate earlier therapeutic intervention in the clinical trials required for
formal assessment of promising and emerging new molecules from successful animal studies.
This article therefore discusses the advantages and disadvantages of available assays
in DIC with these perspectives in mind. It also proposes a format to bring together
the necessary elements required to make an impact on ultimately delivering clinical
improvement in this critical area.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation - DIC - laboratory tests - prothrombin time
- scoring system - standardization
