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Published on: December 9, 2015
Effect of diseases on response to vitamin K antagonists
Timothy H Self1, Ryan E Owens2, Sami A Sakaan1
1a Methodist University Hospital, Clinical Pharmacist , Memphis , TN , USA ;
Introduction:
The purpose of this review article is to summarize the literature on diseases that are documented to have an effect on response to warfarin and other VKAs.
Methods:
We searched the English literature from 1946 to September 2015 via PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for the effect of diseases on response vitamin K antagonists including warfarin, acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon, and fluindione.
Discussion:
Among many factors modifying response to VKAs, several disease states are clinically relevant. Liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and CKD are well documented to increase response to VKAs. Decompensated heart failure, fever, and diarrhea may also elevate response to VKAs, but more study is needed. Hypothyroidism is associated with decreased effect of VKAs, and obese patients will likely require higher initial doses of VKAs.
Conclusion:
In order to minimize risks with VKAs while ensuring efficacy, clinicians must be aware of the effect of disease states when prescribing these oral anticoagulants.
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