VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY

General Information

DEFINITION--Inadequate or absent vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for proper blood clotting. Some vitamin K is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Liver; blood.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages. A newborn infant lacks vitamin K until its body begins to produce it.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Unusual bleeding, such as from the gums, nose or gastrointestinal tract.
• Unexplained bruising.

CAUSES

• Excessive amounts of anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin or dicumarol.
• Prolonged use of antibiotics. Vitamin K is produced by intestinal bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, pellagra, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or cystic fibrosis.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Poor nutrition, especially an unbalanced diet with inadequate amounts of vitamin K.

HOW TO PREVENT--Injections of vitamin K are given to newborn infants and to persons with gallbladder disease or malabsorption disorders to prevent deficiency. For most people, a well-balanced diet should provide all the vitamin K necessary.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of blood clotting.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Self-care after diagnosis.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Severe or fatal hemorrhage.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable with vitamin K supplements by mouth or injection.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----If you take anticoagulants, take only the prescribed amount. Have frequent blood tests to monitor prothrombin time (See Glossary) and prevent unexpected bleeding.

MEDICATION--Your doctor will prescribe vitamin K orally or by injection.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--Eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods high in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, tomatoes, cheese, egg yolks and liver.

Call Your Doctor If

You have unexplained bleeding or bruising, especially if you take anticoagulants or have gallbladder disease or a malabsorptive disorder.