Does PT/PTT elevation due to severe vitamin K deficiency protect against thrombosis?
In the setting of requiring anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic valve, but also having severe vitamin K deficiency, would you start heparin and vitamin K simultaneously? Does autoanticoagulation protect against thrombosis?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Hematology · Medical University of South Carolina
Answered on
Yes, most of us think that vitamin K deficiency increases the risk for bleeding rather than protecting against VTE.
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Hematology · Mayo Clinic
Answered on
In theory, having a prolonged PT/APTT due to severe vitamin K deficiency should be protective against thrombosis. However, the etiology of being so severely vitamin K deficient needs to be addressed. In addition, this scenario is not a 'controlled' situation and the INR may fluctuate putting the pat...
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