What is Vitamin K Deficiency? - Bloggerbot โปรโมทเว็บไซต์

Vitamin K deficiency is a condition that results from extreme fat mal-absorption, inadequate intake, or utilization of coumarin anticoagulants. Breastfed infants commonly suffer from this deficiency known to impair blood clotting. Deficiency of Vitamin K is diagnosed based on the findings of routine coagulation study and is confirmed by the response of the body to Vitamin K. Vitamin K deficiency is treated by oral pr parental intake of Vitamin K.

Vitamin K comes in two types: Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 or phylloquinone is a dietary Vitamin K. Its absorption is enhanced by dietary fat. Infant formulas are already formulated with supplemental vitamin K. Vitamin K2 is a group of compounds called menaquinones which are synthesized by bacteria found in the intestinal tract; the amount synthesized does not satisfy the body's daily vitamin K requirement. Thus, Vitamin K deficiency develops from lack of Vitamin K1 wherein the levels of prothrombin as well as other vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors are decreased, thereby causing defective coagulation and bleeding.

Deficiency of Vitamin K is manifested by bleeding. Easy mucosal bleeding, such as hematuria, menorrhagia, GI hemorrhage, and epistaxis as well as development of bruises can occur with deficient supply of Vitamin K. Blood may come out from incisions or puncture sites.

Hemorrhagic disease usually present in the newborn as well as late hemorrhagic diseases in infants may actually cause GI, cutaneous, intrathoracic, or intracranial bleeding in worst cases. If the infant has obstructive jaundice, bleeding can usually begin after the infant's 4th or 5th day. It may start as a slow oozing from the nose, gums, or GI mucosa, or surgical incisions or it may start as massive bleeding at the GI tract.

Antagonism because of coumarin anticoagulants or Vitamin K deficiency is usually suspected when the patient shows abnormal bleeding. The diagnosis is preliminary confirmed by blood coagulation studies that show decrease in prolonged PT after phytonadione. Prevention and treatment are done by orally intake of MEPHYTON, the generic name for Vitamin K1. Physicians may change the dosage depending on how severe the deficiency the patient is suffering from.