Abstract

This article describes a 19-y-old patient with abdominal pain and signs of malnutrition. She had been treated previously with an antibiotic for chronic diarrhea. Laboratory analyses showed the presence mild hypoalbuminemia, and considerably prolonged prothrombin time. Tests revealed that hemostasis improved after the patient received fresh frozen plasma and vitamin k. A coagulation profile showed a decrease in clotting factors V, VII, IX, and fibrinogen. Positive serology (immunoglobulin A antitissue transglutaminase and immunoglobulin A antiendomysial antibodies) and small bowel mucosal histopathology confirmed the presence of celiac disease (CD). The girl recovered completely after she was put on a gluten-free diet. Vitamin K–deficiency is a rare complication that occurs in celiac disease manifestations. In addition to antibiotic therapy, treatment with other drugs that influence vitamin K resorption and metabolism may increase the risk of bleeding in patients with CD with hypoprothrombinemia.