[Hypersensitivity and resistance to antivitamins K]

Abstract

During the initial phase or during treatment with oral anticoagulants, hypersensitivity or resistance may be observed, requiring significant changes in prescribed dosage. A thorough knowledge of the mode of action of vitamin K and its antagonists is useful to improve understanding of unexpected response to oral anticoagulant therapy. These abnormal responses may be due to poor compliance to treatment by the patient, insufficient or excessive vitamin K intake, interference with other drugs or abnormalities of the hepatic enzymes which are the target of oral anticoagulant drugs. The search for a cause is justified by the risks associated with these abnormal responses. It must be rigorously undertaken with an accurate interrogation, use of an anticoagulation monitoring leaflet and, if necessary, measurement of plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of the anticoagulant drug.