Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a pathological syndrome that arises from a heterogeneous group of medical disorders. It is characterized by simultaneous activation of both clotting and fibrinolysis. This action leads to widespread intravascular deposition of fibrin with resultant thrombotic end-organ complications and consumption of platelets and coagulation proteins, resulting in severe bleeding. DIC is always a secondary phenomenon and not a disease entity in its own right. The clinical expression of DIC varies and may be displayed by laboratory abnormalities alone or in combination with hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Because of the variable clinical manifestations and heterogeneity of primary disorders associated with the development of DIC, this entity has been recognized under various different names, including consumptive coagulopathy,[1] hemorrhagic syndrome,[2] defibrination syndrome,[3] or consumptive thrombohemorrhagic disorder.[4]