Effects of Vitamin K Administration in Correcting Coagulopathy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Retrospective Clinical Study

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Coagulopathy is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, partly due to impaired synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Despite its frequent use, the efficacy of vitamin K in this setting remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin K administration on coagulation parameters in patients with cirrhosis. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective study of 122 cirrhotic patients hospitalized between 2020 and 2024, who received vitamin K for coagulopathy correction. Coagulation and liver function parameters were monitored over time. <b>Results:</b> An early and progressive improvement in INR values was observed, in a subset of patients, following vitamin K administration. INR values across time points were strongly correlated, while only weak associations were observed with bilirubin levels. These findings support a selective therapeutic effect, rather than universal efficacy. <b>Discussion:</b> Despite current guidelines discouraging routine vitamin K use in cirrhosis, our findings suggest that selected patients-particularly those with reversible deficiency-may benefit from supplementation. The observed decrease in INR values supports a targeted, context-based approach rather than empirical management. <b>Conclusions:</b> However, due to the retrospective design and absence of a control group, the observed improvements cannot be conclusively attributed to vitamin K administration. Vitamin K may improve coagulation in cirrhotic patients with reversible deficiency, but its efficacy is not universal. Its use should be individualized and guided by clinical and biochemical context, as part of a broader treatment strategy.

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Publication Details

Journal
Clinics and Practice
Published
2025-10-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15100188
Primary Topic
Liver Disease and Transplantation
Type
article
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article

Effects of Vitamin K Administration in Correcting Coagulopathy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Retrospective Clinical Study

Ionela Maniu, Florin Grosu, Magdalena Lixandru
Clinics and Practice
Liver Disease and Transplantation
article

Effects of Vitamin K Administration in Correcting Coagulopathy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Retrospective Clinical Study

Ionela Maniu, Florin Grosu, Magdalena Lixandru
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Coagulopathy is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, partly due to impaired synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Despite its frequent use, the efficacy of vitamin K in this setting remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin K administration on coagulation parameters in patients with cirrhosis. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective study of 122 cirrhotic patients hospitalized between 2020 and 2024, who received vitamin K for coagulopathy correction. Coagulation and liver function parameters were monitored over time. <b>Results:</b> An early and progressive improvement in INR values was observed, in a subset of patients, following vitamin K administration. INR values across time points were strongly correlated, while only weak associations were observed with bilirubin levels. These findings support a selective therapeutic effect, rather than universal efficacy. <b>Discussion:</b> Despite current guidelines discouraging routine vitamin K use in cirrhosis, our findings suggest that selected patients-particularly those with reversible deficiency-may benefit from supplementation. The observed decrease in INR values supports a targeted, context-based approach rather than empirical management. <b>Conclusions:</b> However, due to the retrospective design and absence of a control group, the observed improvements cannot be conclusively attributed to vitamin K administration. Vitamin K may improve coagulation in cirrhotic patients with reversible deficiency, but its efficacy is not universal. Its use should be individualized and guided by clinical and biochemical context, as part of a broader treatment strategy.

Clinics and PracticeVol. 15(10)
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (RO), Ospedale Valduce (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 60%
Liver Disease and Transplantation
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Effects of Vitamin K Administration in Correcting Coagulopathy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Retrospective Clinical Study — Ionela Maniu, Florin Grosu, et al. · Clinics and Practice (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS