Recent advances in the research and management of sepsis-associated DIC

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a common and life-threatening complication in sepsis. Sepsis-associated DIC is recognized as the systemic activation in coagulation with suppressed fibrinolysis that leads to organ dysfunction in combination with systemic intravascular inflammation. In this process, thrombin contributes a key role in connecting both coagulation and inflammation. Endothelial injury, a result of sepsis, causes DIC due to the effect of multiple activated factors that include neutrophils, platelets, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Recent advances in the understanding of pathophysiology have made it possible to diagnose sepsis-associated DIC at earlier timing with better accuracy. However, progress in the treatment is still limited, and new therapeutics for sepsis-associated DIC are needed.