CONTROL OF PROTHROMBIN DEFICIENCY IN OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE

Abstract

Abundant experimental and clinical evidence obtained in the past four years shows that a fat-soluble substance, called by Dam vitamin K,¹conditions the formation of prothrombin by the liver.²In obstructive jaundice at least two factors tending to depress plasma prothrombin are at work, one being damage to the liver and disturbance in its synthetic function and the other the diminished absorption of vitamin K from the intestinal tract. Bile salts have been shown to be necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble substances from the intestinal canal,³and in obstructive jaundice the bile delivered into the duodenum may be deficient in bile salts as well as in total volume. Another factor of importance in lowering plasma prothrombin in patients with obstructive jaundice is loss of appetite with inadequate intake of foods containing vitamin K. The data presented in this report were obtained in the management of cases