DIC Bleeding???

[kwagner_51]

Let's see if I understand this. DIC uses up the clotting factors and that results in clots until the clotting factor is gone. Then the person starts bleeding because they don't have clotting factor. By giving heparin, we slow down the process of clotting because the blood is thinner. Because the person is making tiny clots that block small vessels, the heparin will stop the clots from forming.

By stopping the clots from forming, the heparin allows the body to start making clotting factors.

Is this right or am I still out in left field?

Thanks!!

--------------------------------------------

In His Grace,

Karen

Failure is NOT an option!!

[SusanJean]

From my limited knowledge, that sounds about right. Have never seen this, hope I never do --

Also understand pts have generally poor outcome, even w/ tx.

[bonjovigirl]

As was explained to me recently when I was caring for a DIC patient (in school clinical). THe body only has so much clotting factor, and it is used up in those tiny clots. Heparin releases those clots, freeing up the factor for when it is needed? seems like a catch 22.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

My mom died of DIC with fleshing eating bacterial infection from a small cut on her leg from a garbage can. Disgusting way to die. Most gruesome thing I ever saw in my life.

renerain

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

My mom died of DIC with fleshing eating bacterial infection from a small cut on her leg from a garbage can. Disgusting way to die. Most gruesome thing I ever saw in my life.

renerain

OMG, Renerian. :stone

I'm so sorry.

[SmilingBluEyes]

(((ren)))

[dazzle256]

My mom died of DIC with fleshing eating bacterial infection from a small cut on her leg from a garbage can. Disgusting way to die. Most gruesome thing I ever saw in my life.

renerain

Oh I'm so sorry

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Thanks. 22 units of blood as many platlets, FFP nothing worked. She was doomed as it overwhelmed her body/sepsis. She had 2 surgeries to remove dying tissue and the surgeon said it was dying as he was cutting. We ended up taking her off life support and she died in 20 minutes. She was necrotic all the way up/entire body other than 1/2 of her face. Even the nurses and doctors were very disturbed. She died within 24 hours of the infection starting.

renerian

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Thanks. 22 units of blood as many platlets, FFP nothing worked. She was doomed as it overwhelmed her body/sepsis. She had 2 surgeries to remove dying tissue and the surgeon said it was dying as he was cutting. We ended up taking her off life support and she died in 20 minutes. She was necrotic all the way up/entire body other than 1/2 of her face. Even the nurses and doctors were very disturbed. She died within 24 hours of the infection starting.

renerian

OMG, Renerian... I had heard of this kind of necrotizing bacteria, but I had no idea it devoured so quickly and completely !!! How horrid for you, your poor mother, and the entire family. I cannot begin to imagine.

[SmilingBluEyes]

An article on DIC and the paradox of how it works for the OP:

(it is told from an OB standpoint, but the "rules" of play still apply):

http://www.rnceus.com/coag/coagbt.html

and another good one:

http://www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/ce_article.asp?tid=504846

hope this helps you understand it better.

[mattsmom81]

OMG, Renerian... I had heard of this kind of necrotizing bacteria, but I had no idea it devoured so quickly and completely !!! How horrid for you, your poor mother, and the entire family. I cannot begin to imagine.

I too am so sorry Renerian...what an awful thing for your family.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Very nice of you to post to me about my mom. I appreciate that. I am very glad it is behind me.

I would never look at that illness the same again.

Thanks blue eyes for the links.

renerian