RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Low-dose oral vitamin K therapy for the management of asymptomatic patients with elevated international normalized ratios: a brief review
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 821
OP 824
DO 10.1503/cmaj.1030478
VO 170
IS 5
A1 Wilson, Sarah E.
A1 Watson, Henry G.
A1 Crowther, Mark A.
YR 2004
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/170/5/821.abstract
AB ASYMPTOMATIC ELEVATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL normalized ratio (INR) is a common problem associated with hemorrhage. Evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the use of low-dose oral vitamin K therapy as a treatment that promptly reduces the INR. Vitamin K given orally is more effective than subcutaneous vitamin K injection, and as effective as intravenous administration when INR values are compared 24 hours after administration. A 1.0-mg vitamin K dose is likely most appropriate for patients with INR values between 4.5 and 10. The fear of over-correction of the INR has limited the widespread use of vitamin K; however, our review suggests that this occurs infrequently when small doses are administered orally.