Disturbances of coagulation mechanism in protein-calorie malnutrition
Hassanein, E.A.; Tankovsky, I.
Tropical and Geographical Medicine 25(2): 158-162
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-3232 PMID: 4197855 Document Number: 64120
Coagulation mechanisms were normal in 6 of 8 Libyan children with severe marasmus. The other 2, complicated by severe diarrhoea with dehydration, had low values for the vitamin K-dependent factors. In 12 children with severe kwashiorkor factors II, VII and X were significantly reduced. Vitamin K by vein increased only factor VII, in 5 patients. Factors II and X returned to normal after about 1 week on a high-protein diet with supplements of vitamin K. In 3 children with kwashiorkor who died and in one with hepatic dysfunction and one with thrombocytopenic purpura and haemorrhage complicating the kwashiorkor, factor V also fell below normal.