Question
A person with jaundice presented with a history of bleeding, and symptoms normalized after giving vitamin K injection. The probable cause is?
| A. |
Biliary obstruction
|
| B. |
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
|
| C. |
Autoimmune hepatitis
|
| D. |
Factor XI deficiency
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � A
Explanation
|
|
Vitamin K is fat-soluble & needs bile salts for absorption. In biliary obstruction, impaired bile flow → malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin K. This → deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X), causing bleeding. Parenteral vitamin K bypasses absorption issues, correcting coagulopathy quickly.
Incorrect Options:
B: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency affects liver & lungs, not correctable with vitamin K.
C: Autoimmune hepatitis causes coagulopathy, not rapidly fixed by vitamin K alone.
D: Factor XI deficiency is congenital, unrelated to vitamin K or bile function.
