Vitamin K deficiency

Question 1

What is the function of vitamin K?

Answer 1

Vitamin K is important for coagulopathy (co-factor for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX + X)

Question 2

List 6 risk factors for vitamin K deficiency

Answer 2

Anticoagulants
Lack of vitamin K in diet
Liver disease: decreased synthesis of vitamin-K dependent factors
Abx which interfere with vit K absorption
Fat malabsorption e.g. in coeliac disease, CF, IBD, short bowel syndrome, biliary tract disease
Infants at risk of breast milk low in vit K

Question 3

Describe the epidemiology of vitamin K deficiency

Answer 3

Rare in adult, more common in infants

Question 4

List 4 symptoms of vitamin K deficiency

Answer 4

Dark black, tar like stool
Nose bleeds
Epistaxis
Bleeding gums

Question 5

Give a sign of vitamin K deficiency

Answer 5

Easy bruising

Question 6

List investigations used in vitamin K deficiency

Answer 6

Hx
Prothrombin time
Plasma level of Vit K can be measured

Question 7

Describe management of vitamin K deficiency

Answer 7

In life-threatening bleeds, administer FFP before vitK
Vitamin K supplement: available as phytomenadione or synthetic water-soluble analogue menadiol sodium diphosphate
Diet rich in vitK

Question 8

List sources of vitamin K

Answer 8

green leafy vegs, green peas and beans, spinach, broccoli, whole wheat and oats

Question 9

Give 2 complications of vitamin K deficiency

Answer 9

Excessive bleeding + anaemia

Question 10

What is the prognosis in vitamin K deficiency?

Answer 10

Good if treated early