CMAJ • March 2, 2004; 170 (5). doi:10.1503/cmaj.1030478.
© 2004 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
All editorial matter in CMAJ represents the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Canadian Medical Association.
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Wilson, S. E.
Right arrow Articles by Crowther, M. A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Wilson, S. E.
Right arrow Articles by Crowther, M. A.
Related Collections
Right arrow Drugs: cardiovascular system

Review
Synthèse

Low-dose oral vitamin K therapy for the management of asymptomatic patients with elevated international normalized ratios: a brief review

Sarah E. Wilson, Henry G. Watson and Mark A. Crowther

From the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Wilson), the Department of Hematology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK (Watson), and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. (Crowther)

Abstract

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.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 ASH Education BookHome page
F. Dentali and M. A. Crowther
Management of Excessive Anticoagulant Effect Due to Vitamin K Antagonists
Hematology, January 1, 2008; 2008(1): 266 - 270.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Clin. Chem.Home page
J. Horsti, H. Uppa, and J. A Vilpo
Poor Agreement among Prothrombin Time International Normalized Ratio Methods: Comparison of Seven Commercial Reagents
Clin. Chem., March 1, 2005; 51(3): 553 - 560.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]