The effectiveness of intravenous vitamin K in correcting cirrhosis-associated coagulopathy

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous (IV) vitamin K in cirrhosis. Methods This was a retrospective study of cirrhotic patients, not on anticoagulation, with administration of IV vitamin K and a baseline INR > 1.5. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of therapy defined by a 30% decrease in INR or a reduction in INR to an absolute value of ≤1.5. Key Findings A total of 96 patients were included in the cohort. There was an average decrease in INR of 0.31; however, 60 patients (62.3%) failed to achieve at least a 10% decrease. Sixteen patients (16.7%) met the primary effectiveness endpoint. Conclusions The use of IV vitamin K to correct coagulopathy of cirrhosis may not be beneficial.