Prolonged Prothrombin Time: Significance
Disease description:
I have leukemia, and my blood test results indicate prolonged prothrombin time. Could you please explain what the significance of prolonged prothrombin time is?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Significance of Prolonged Prothrombin Time:
1. Liver disease: The liver is the primary site for the synthesis of coagulation factors. In cases of liver dysfunction, reduced production of coagulation factors leads to prolonged prothrombin time.
2. Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X. Deficiency can result in prolonged prothrombin time.
3. Use of anticoagulant medications: Drugs such as warfarin inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, thereby prolonging prothrombin time and used for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders.
4. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): In the early stage, excessive consumption of coagulation factors causes prolonged prothrombin time; in the late stage, secondary fibrinolytic hyperactivity can also lead to prolonged prothrombin time.
Patients with prolonged prothrombin time are advised to undergo timely medical evaluation.
