Vitamin K status in patients with short bowel syndrome

Abstract

Background & aims: Available evidence suggests that patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) might be at risk of vitamins A, D, E and B(1) deficiency. However, there is little clinical data describing the vitamin K status. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to assess the body resources of vitamin K in a subset of SBS patients.

Methods: The study comprised 33 patients aged 1 month to 16 years. PIVKA-II concentrations were determined in all subjects.

Results: In all studied subjects, coagulation parameters were normal. PIVKA-II levels indicative of vitamin K deficiency was found in 3 (9.1%) SBS patients. One patient had been receiving an additional intravenous vitamin K dose of 5 mg/week. In all SBS patients with cirrhosis and cholestasis, PIVKA-II concentrations were low (<2 ng/ml). However, all patients with severe liver disease were receiving vitamin K several times a month.

Conclusions: Vitamin K deficiency may appear in SBS patients.