Citation

Wojciechowski VV, Calina D, Tsarouhas K, Pivnik AV, Sergievich AA, Kodintsev VV, Filatova EA, Ozcagli E, Docea AO, Arsene AL, Gofita E, Tsitsimpikou C, Tsatsakis AM, Golokhvast KS. Daru 2017; 25(1): e10.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1186/s40199-017-0175-z

PMID

28416008

PMCID

PMC5393004

Abstract

Physicians often come across with cases of vitamin K antagonists-dependent coagulopathy for reasons such as accidental use of the vitamin K antagonists (VKA), excessive administration of prescribed anticoagulants of indirect action or not reported administration of vitamin K antagonists due to memory impairment and/or other mental disorders, even deliberate use thereof (attempt to murder or suicide). Rodenticide-poisoning (coumarins, warfarins) via food or occupational accidents are difficult to diagnose. This article discusses different types of acquired vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy. Differential diagnosis is primarily based on patient statements before additional causes of vitamin K deficiency are explored. Even when pathological vitamin K deficiency is not determined, appropriate and urgent medical treatment is necessary: administration of fresh frozen plasma or concentrated factors of the prothrombin complex, administration of vitamin K remedies along with symptomatic therapy. With early diagnosis and prescription of appropriate therapy, prognosis is favorable. Reasons for vitamin K antagonists-dependent coagulopathy cases.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Drug Overdose; Rodenticides; Anticoagulants; Vitamin K; Acquired coagulopathy; Blood Coagulation Disorders