Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin K
For the health condition: Bleeding (external)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Vitamin K is scientifically validated as an essential treatment for bleeding, especially when the bleeding is due to vitamin K deficiency or as an antidote to anticoagulant overdose (such as warfarin). Vitamin K is a crucial cofactor for the synthesis of several clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X), which are proteins required for normal blood coagulation. Deficiency in vitamin K leads to impaired synthesis of these factors, resulting in an increased tendency to bleed, both internally and externally. Supplementation or injection of vitamin K rapidly reverses this deficiency and restores coagulation function, making it a first-line therapy in such cases.

In clinical practice, vitamin K is routinely administered to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, a potentially fatal bleeding disorder. It is also used to treat adults with vitamin K deficiency, and to counteract the effects of vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants when excessive bleeding occurs. The use of vitamin K in these settings is supported by decades of clinical research and guideline recommendations from major medical organizations. However, for external bleeding not related to vitamin K deficiency or anticoagulant use (such as traumatic wounds in individuals with normal coagulation), vitamin K is not typically beneficial. Its effect is specific to correcting coagulopathies caused by its deficiency or antagonism.

Overall, the scientific evidence supporting vitamin K for the treatment of bleeding (when related to deficiency or antagonism) is strong and well-established, meriting the highest evidence rating.

More about vitamin K
More about Bleeding (external)