Vitamin K-dependent coagulopathies are rather common in clinical practice, especially in cases of overdose of orally prescribed anticoagulants of indirect-action, also known as the vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Reasons for vitamin K antagonists–dependent coagulopathy cases

With early diagnosis and prescription of appropriate therapy, prognosis is favorable. Even when pathological vitamin K deficiency is not determined, appropriate and urgent medical treatment is necessary: administration of fresh frozen plasma or concentrated factors of the prothrombin complex, administration of vitamin K remedies along with symptomatic therapy. Differential diagnosis is primarily based on patient statements before additional causes of vitamin K deficiency are explored. This article discusses different types of acquired vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy. Rodenticide-poisoning (coumarins, warfarins) via food or occupational accidents are difficult to diagnose.

Physicians often come across with cases of vitamin K antagonists–dependent coagulopathy for reasons such as accidental use of the vitamin K antagonists (VKA), excessive administration of prescribed anticoagulants of indirect action or not reported administration of vitamin K antagonists due to memory impairment and/or other mental disorders, even deliberate use thereof (attempt to murder or suicide).

Vitamin k antidote dose