Vitamin K deficiency

Background

1. Cofactor for vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, X
   1. Used by liver
   2. Fat soluble

Differential Diagnosis of Deficiency

1. Nutritional deficiency
2. Malabsorption
3. Cholestasis: since it is fat soluble and needs bile salts to be absorbed

Treatment for Deficiency

1. Fresh Frozen Plasma: 1ml contains 1U of each clotting factor
2. Consider Vitamin K oral or IV (subcutaneous not recommended): will take up to 24 hours to work and up to 2 weeks to wear off

See Also

• Warfarin (Coumadin) Reversal
• Coagulation Disorders