Disseminated intravascular coagulation in acute leukemia:analysis of 41 cases

Objective To investigate clinical features and management of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) in patients with acute leukemia(AL).Methods Forty-one cases of AL with DIC were analyzed retrospectively in clinical features including classification of leukemia,clinical manifestation,the stage of AL which DIC occurred,the laboratory findings and response to the treatment.Results DIC was predominant in acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) and occurred before the treatment of leukemia in 90% of total cases.75.6% of the total cases responsed to the heparin.Low dose unfractionated heparin was as effective as low-molecular-weight(LMW)heparin.Conclusion The prevention and treatment of DIC in patients with APL should be focused on the early stage of leukemia.Hemorrhage,especially intracerebral hemorrhage is the chief cause of death.Intensive treatment of underlying diseases,supplement of hemostatic factors and effective anticoagulation are the key points for success.