An Elderly Italian Nun with Presumed Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in a Rural Kenyan Hospital: A Narrative of the Potential Mechanisms

Abstract: Vitamin K deficiency is observed in 8% to 31% of healthy adults. The main diagnostic criteria for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a prothrombin time (PT) that is ≥4 times elevated and which normalizes after administering vitamin K. This is in the context of risk factors for vitamin K deficiency (e.g., poor dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, prolonged use of antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc.), bleeding diatheses, normal or increased platelets, and normal fibrinogen levels. In this report, an elderly Italian nun living in rural Kenya presented with a clinical picture in keeping with VKDB and was successfully managed with parenteral and oral vitamin K supplementation. A narrative on the potential etiology and mechanisms of her presentation has been put forward, including the contribution from her non-prescription topical medications.

Keywords: Vitamin K deficiency bleeding, VKDB, Vitamin K1, Vitamin K2, PIVKA-II, Kenya.

Title: An Elderly Italian Nun with Presumed Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in a Rural Kenyan Hospital: A Narrative of the Potential Mechanisms

Author: Vonwicks C. Onyango

International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing

ISSN 2394-7330

Vol. 11, Issue 2, May 2024 - August 2024

Page No: 256-259

Novelty Journals

Website: www.noveltyjournals.com

Published Date: 09-August-2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13284448

Paper Download Link (Source)

https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/An%20Elderly%20Italian%20Nun%20with%20Presumed%20Vitamin-09082024-2.pdf