Drowning-induced hyperfibrinolytic disseminated intravascular coagulation
Hattesen, A.L.; Berg, H.K.; Folkersen, L.; Hvas, A.-M.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 179(35)
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 28874237 Document Number: 693075
This article summarizes the current knowledge of drowning-induced hyperfibrinolytic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Drowning induces respiratory failure with ensuing cardiac arrest, hypoxaemia and ischaemia. A coagulopathy is induced by ischaemia, acidosis and hypothermia, and clinically the patient develops uncontrolled bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis. A rapid diagnostic approach is required to recognize this hyperfibrinolytic state, since initiation of treatment with antifibrinolytics and fibrinogen concentrate may bring this life-threatening condition to cessation.