Background: critically ill children usually show imbalances in hemostasis with risk of subsequent bleeding or pathological thrombosis.The abnormal hemostasis in intensive care ranges from thrombocytopenia only to intravascular disseminated coagulation.DIC is a clinicopathological syndrome described as systemic haemostatic activation resulting in excess microvascular thrombosis in both small and intermediate sized vessels causing organ dysfunction.The continued platelets and coagulation elements consumption during the activation of haemostatic system causes bleeding complications in those patients). The D-dimer assay is more specific and sensitive than other fibrin split products to detect DIC.
The aim of this review:describe coagulation profile of critically ill patients and evaluate its predictive value for the outcome.
Conclusion:Coagulation disorders are common among critically ill children, ranging from thrombocytopenia to more severe disorder such as disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Adequate early treatment strategies are crucial in reducing these patients' morbidity and mortality.