Disseminated intravascular coagulation score is associated with mortality for children with shock

A total of 132 patients less than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of shock or sepsis were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 90 survived and 42 died (31.8%). Patients ranged from 6 days to 18 years (median 5.8 years), and were a majority male (63%). Variables associated with mortality included peak DIC score within 24 h of ICU admission, age, weight, volume of blood products transfused, inotrope score, pediatric index of mortality (PIM 2) score, 12-h pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM III) score and presence of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.05). Patients with DIC scores ≥ 5 (overt DIC) had 50% mortality, compared to 20% for patients with DIC scores < 5. Overall, a one-point rise in DIC score was associated with an increased risk of mortality after adjusting for age, race, gender, hemodynamic instability, and PRISM III score [OR 1.35 (1.02, 1.78)]. Most patients achieve their peak DIC score within 2 h of ICU admission.