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Abstract Title:

Prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in older people with hip fracture.

Abstract Source:

Acta Clin Belg. 2019 Jan 8:1-5. Epub 2019 Jan 8. PMID: 30618350

Abstract Author(s):

Celine Bultynck, N Munim, D J Harrington, L Judd, F Ataklte, Z Shah, F Dockery

Article Affiliation:

Celine Bultynck

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin K plays an important role in blood coagulation. Diet is the main source of vitamin K and body stores are depleted in days, hence deficiency is common in malnourished older people. A high proportion of people who sustain a hip fracture are already malnourished, compounded by fasting for surgery which might further increase deficiency. We wanted to explore the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in hip fracture patients and the impact of a short period of fasting.

METHODS: In consecutive patients hospitalised with a hip fracture, we measured vitamin K and PIVKA-II (undercarboxylated factor II - a marker of subclinical vitamin K status) on admission and on first post-operative day. We excluded those on anticoagulants.

RESULTS: N = 62 participated; 4 had missing pre-op vitamin K samples and n = 3 had no surgery leaving n = 55 with paired samples. Mean age was 80.0 ± 9.6 years, 33% males. Prevalence of subclinical vitamin K deficiency on admission was 36% (20/55) based on reference range of>0.15µg/L. The proportion with subclinical K deficiency after surgery rose to 64% (35/55), p < 0.05. 13% had detectable PIVKA-II concentrations pre-operatively, 15% did post-operatively. None had abnormal prothrombin time. Vitamin K status was not associated with post-operative haemoglobin drop or transfusion requirements.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in hip fracture patients is high and increases further following a short period of fasting. Though no significant impact was noted on peri-operative blood loss, larger studies are warranted to explore this, and the potential role of vitamin K supplements peri-operatively.

Study Type : Human Study

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