The DIC Score can be used to objectively monitor response to therapy for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. This can be valuable when the patient is being treated with antiprocoagulant therapy such as heparin or antithrombin.
Protocol:
(1) The patient is clinically assessed at least every 8 hours.
(2) Laboratory testing is performed at least every 8 hours.
(3) The DIC scores are calculated and the interval change recorded.
(4) Clinical and laboratory assessments are performed until either (a) response to therapy is demonstrated; (b) failure to therapy is demonstrated; (c) 72 hours has passed.
change in DIC score =
= (new DIC score) - (previous DIC score)
Interpretation:
• A positive score is considered an improved score.
• A negative score is considered a worsened score.
Change in DIC Score
Time Period
Interpretation
>= + 10 points
48 hours
response to therapy
change < +10 and > - 10
48 hours
stable DIC
<= - 10 points
72 hours
therapeutic failure; patient at risk for death
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