THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF ORAL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS VITAMIN K IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Objective: Patients with liver cirrhosis have different complications including bleeding disorders, due to vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors deficiency. Vitamin K is administered to correct bleeding complications, however the evidence for its efficacy either orally or intravenously is lacking. This study aimed to assess therapeutic role of vitamin K in cirrhotic patients.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on ninety liver cirrhotic patients at Al-Rajhy Liver Hospital. Patients received vitamin K orally (N= 45) or intravenously (N= 45) at doses of 10 mg/day for 3 successive days. Prothrombin time (PT), international normalization ratio (INR), serum vitamin K level, hemoglobin, liver and kidney function were assessed at baseline and after 3 days of vitamin K administration. Child-Pugh score and bleeding signs were reported. Results: After vitamin K administration, vitamin K serum level was significantly increased in the oral and the IV group. PT and INR were significantly decreased in the oral and the IV groups. Vitamin K serum level had negative significant correlation with PT (r= -0.42, P= 0.033) and INR (r= -0.40, P= 0.038). Conclusion: Oral and IV vitamin K administration showed similar efficacy in improving PT, INR and bleeding signs. Child B class patients more benefited from vitamin k administration than Child C class.