Intravascular coagulation. 2. Underlying conditions and therapy.

Therapy for intravascular coagulation is directed primarily against the underlying disorder. If the latter is not readily correctable or if the patient is bleeding actively, anticoagulation with intermittent administration of heparin by the intravenous route is indicated. If thrombocytopenia is present, heparinization must be accompanied by platelet transfusion. The efficacy of therapy is judged by the cessation of bleeding or thrombosis, improvement of organic dysfunction, and correction of the levels of the coagulation factors, particularly factor V and fibrinogen.