Nevertheless, the importance of coagulation abnormalities should be emphasized in international sepsis guidelines

Abstract

It is generally accepted that a coagulation/fibrinolysis disorder is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis, and the association of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and poor outcomes have been reported. Based on these findings, recently released “Japanese Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines 2020” recommend the diagnosis of DIC and the application of anticoagulants for sepsis-associated DIC. Meanwhile, the updated “International Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2021” did not mention coagulation abnormalities or DIC. Because management strategies continue to evolve to provide improved outcomes in sepsis, the role of adjunctive anticoagulant treatment should be included in subsequent international guidelines.