People who take herbal products or food supplements may experience unexpected changes in the coagulation system. Any person with unexpected coagulation findings should be queried on intake of herbal or dietary products.
Presentation:
(1) easy bruisability
(2) prolonged oozing
(3) unexpected coagulation test finding
Effects Seen
Possible Explanations
prolonged bleeding time, evidence of platelet dysfunction
fish oil, salicylates, NSAID additives
increased prothrombin time (PT)
furanocoumarins in green plants
erratic response or failure to respond as expected to coumadin anticoagulation
vitamin K from green plants
Factors determining effect:
(1) comorbid medical conditions
(2) concurrent prescribed and OTC medications
(3) number of different types of supplements
(4) dose of the supplements
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
