3rd May 2024

A 45-year-old woman is admitted to the intensive care unit with septic shock secondary to pneumonia.

A 45-year-old woman is admitted to the intensive care unit with septic shock secondary to pneumonia. She develops purpura and spontaneous mucosal bleeding. Laboratory tests show a platelet count of 25 x 10⁹/L, elevated D-dimer, prolonged prothrombin time, and low fibrinogen. A diagnosis of DIC is made.

Which is the most appropriate next step in management?