The effectiveness of intravenous vitamin K in correcting cirrhosis-associated coagulopathy. (17th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rivosecchi, Ryan M; Kane-Gill, Sandra L; Garavaglia, Jeffrey; MacLasco, Adam; Johnson, Heather
• Is Part Of: International journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 25:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 463
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2017-02-17
• Subjects: cirrhosis -- coagulopathy -- liver failure -- phytonadione -- vitamin K; Pharmacy -- Practice -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-7671

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous (IV) vitamin K in cirrhosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of cirrhotic patients, not on anticoagulation, with administration of IV vitamin K and a baseline INR > 1.5. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of therapy defined by a 30% decrease in INR or a reduction in INR to an absolute value of ≤1.5. Key Findings: A total of 96 patients were included in the cohort. There was an average decrease in INR of 0.31; however, 60 patients (62.3%) failed to achieve at least a 10% decrease. Sixteen patients (16.7%) met the primary effectiveness endpoint. Conclusions: The use of IV vitamin K to correct coagulopathy of cirrhosis may not be beneficial.