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Diagnosis and treatment of obstetrics disseminated intravascular coagulation in resource limited settings


Helen C Okoye
Theresa U Nwagha
Angela O Ugwu
Ifeanyi E Menuba
Augustine N Duru
Emmanuel O Ugwu
Feanyichukwu U Ezebialu
Stephen C Eze
Aloysuis O Ugwu

Abstract

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is one of the commonest causes of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and puerperium. Its successful management is a challenging feat in resource limited settings (RLS).


Aim: To determine Obstetricians’ approach in diagnosing and treating obstetrics DIC in a RLS


Method: A semi-structured pre-tested 4-sectioned questionnaire was used to collect demographic data of Nigerian obstetricians and data on their practice in the diagnosis and treatment of obstetrics DIC.


Results: A total of 171 obstetricians responded. Preeclampsia was the most frequent cause identified (70.2%) followed by postpartum haemorrahge (58.3%). Platelet count determination was the test mostly used (95.9%) to make a diagnosis of DIC whereas, antithrombin assay was the least (20.6%) requested investigation. While about two-third would monitor the evolution of DIC, a little less than half of the obstetricians would not repeat laboratory testing more than every 2 days, reason mainly (61.8%) due to patient’s financial constraint. Almost three-quarter of them preferred fresh whole blood as the first line of treatment of DIC.


Conclusion: DIC remains a challenge in the obstetrics practice in RLS especially in investigations, monitoring and index of suspicion for non-overt DIC.


Keywords: Investigations; DIC; Obstetrician; diagnosis; treatment.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905