Related Experiment Videos
Plasma vitamin K1 concentrations in cystic fibrosis
I A Choonara1, M J Winn, B K Park
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, St James's University Hospital, Leeds.
Insights
Vitamin K1 plasma concentrations were similar in cystic fibrosis patients and controls, falling between adult and neonatal levels. No link was found between vitamin K1 levels and prothrombin time in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Vitamin K1 is essential for blood coagulation.
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) can affect nutrient absorption, potentially impacting vitamin levels.
- Previous studies have shown varied vitamin K status in different age groups with CF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine plasma vitamin K1 concentrations in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.
- To compare vitamin K1 levels in CF patients to healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin K1 levels and prothrombin time in CF.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 37 pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and 16 healthy controls.
- Vitamin K1 concentrations were measured using a validated assay.
- Prothrombin time was assessed for all participants.
Main Results:
- Median plasma vitamin K1 concentration was 46 ng/l in CF patients and 49 ng/l in controls.
- These levels were lower than previously reported adult values but higher than neonatal values.
- No significant association was observed between plasma vitamin K1 levels and prothrombin time.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis maintain similar plasma vitamin K1 concentrations compared to healthy controls.
- Vitamin K1 levels in this pediatric CF cohort are distinct from adult and neonatal ranges.
- Prothrombin time is not directly correlated with plasma vitamin K1 concentrations in this CF population.
Abstract:
Plasma concentrations of vitamin K1 were similar in 37 patients with cystic fibrosis (median 46 ng/l) and 16 controls (49 ng/l). The plasma concentrations were lower than those previously described in adults, but higher than in neonates. There was no association between an increase in prothrombin time and vitamin K1 plasma concentration.