Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is considered a complication of disseminated intravascular coagulation. It occurs when body temperature falls below ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit. The normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include a weak pulse, lack of coordination or clumsiness, mumbling or slurred speech, shallow breathing, memory loss or confusion, low energy, and bright red skin. If left untreated, it can lead to fulminant heart and lung failure and, eventually, death.

Patients with hypothermia are also prone to frostbite and gangrene. Individuals can avoid both of these in cold weather by wearing warm clothes covering their face, neck, and head. Other tips are to avoid sweating a lot, wear many layers of lightweight clothing, and stay as dry as possible. Since disseminated intravascular coagulation affects patients with significant damage to organs or tissues, hypothermia puts them at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Learn more about another complication of this condition next.