Effects Of Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is present in three forms, K1, K2 and K3. The male female ratio being affected from the deficiency remains the same. The deficiency is usually seen in the elderly, alcoholics and in those who live in lower social-economic conditions.

Causes of vitamin K deficiency

The deficiency of vitamin K can result from inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption or impaired storage. Other reasons may be biliary disease or administration of oral antibiotics.

Risk Factors

The major risk factors are alcoholism, impaired nutrition, malabsorption, bile deficiency, dialysis, chronic under nutrition, deficiency of other vitamins, abuse of laxatives or intestinal parasites. Some gastrointestinal surgery and drug abuse may also be the factors.

Symptoms

The main defect occurs in coagulation due to deficient production of clotting factors II, VII IX and X, protein C and S (natural anti-coagulants), factors Z and M (stimulate platelet activity) and osteocalcin, thereby causing hemorrhagic tendency. Swelling is also seen at the costochondral junction such as in scurvy and rickets.

Differential Diagnosis

The symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may get confused with the symptoms of liver damage, anticoagulant therapy and other disorders that produce hemorrhagic symptoms such as scurvy, purpura, leukemia and thrombocytopenia. The lab investigations clear the picture.

Diagnosis

Prothrombin time is measured, which comes out to be 25% longer than the normal range. This test is diagnostic after ruling out the other disorders. Medical history and physical examination are also important in evaluation.

Treatment

Treatment aims at treating the underlying cause. Oral or parenteral (through blood) vitamin replacement can also be done. Only in severe cases, hospitalization is required.

Proper nutritional counseling must be given to the patient with emphasis on appropriate foods and their preparation method. Patients must be educated to abstain from alcohol and smoking. In case of social-economic reasons, refer the patient to the social service agents.

With proper diagnosis and adequate therapy, full recovery is achieved without any complications. Only complication may be excess doses leading to hemolytic anaemia in infants.