ISTH DIC Score
International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) scoring system for overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Requires an underlying condition known to be associated with DIC.
Score interpretation
ISTH DIC Score < 5: Non-overt DIC. Does not meet criteria for overt DIC but may represent early/non-overt phase.
→ Repeat scoring in 24–48h. Treat underlying condition aggressively (sepsis, obstetric emergency, trauma, malignancy). Haematology review. Monitor FBC, coag, fibrinogen every 6–12h.
ISTH DIC Score ≥ 5: Compatible with overt DIC. Significant mortality risk.
→ Urgent haematology review. Treat underlying cause — this is the most important intervention. Transfuse: FFP if PT/APTT > 1.5× normal and bleeding; cryoprecipitate if fibrinogen < 1.5 g/L; platelets if < 50 ×10⁹/L and bleeding. Consider TXA in haemorrhage-predominant DIC. Avoid heparin in most cases.
Interpretation bands for the DIC Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Taylor FB Jr, et al. Towards definition, clinical and laboratory criteria, and a scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb Haemost. 2001;86(5):1327–1330.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Fibrinogen Concentrate · Coagulation Factor Replacement — Hypofibrinogenaemia
- Fibrinogen Concentrate (Riastap) · Coagulation Factor — Haemostatic Agent
- Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) · Coagulation Factor Concentrate — Warfarin Reversal
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (Coagulation Factor Synthesis)
- Factor IX Concentrate · Coagulation Factor Replacement — Haemophilia B
- Fibrinogen (Specialist drug) · Plasma-derived fibrinogen concentrate
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.