What causes long clotting time

Long clotting time may be caused by genetic coagulation dysfunction, vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, anticoagulant use, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and other factors.

1. Hereditary coagulation dysfunction:

Hereditary diseases such as hemophilia and vascular hemophilia can lead to a deficiency or dysfunction of coagulation factors. This type of disease usually occurs from a young age, manifested as prolonged bleeding after minor trauma, and repeated bleeding in the joint cavity or muscles. Diagnosis requires testing for coagulation factor activity and genetic testing.

2. Vitamin K deficiency:

Vitamin K is an essential substance for the synthesis of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X. Long term fasting, biliary obstruction, chronic diarrhea, or broad-spectrum antibiotic use can affect the absorption of vitamin K. Newborns are also prone to vitamin K deficiency bleeding due to the lack of established gut microbiota.

3. Liver diseases:

Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and severe hepatitis can reduce the ability to synthesize coagulation factors. The liver is also responsible for clearing activated coagulation factors, and disseminated intravascular coagulation may occur in liver failure. These patients often present with liver function abnormalities such as jaundice and ascites.

4. Use of anticoagulant drugs:

Warfarin exerts anticoagulant effects by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, and excessive use can lead to prolonged prothrombin time. New oral anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexil directly inhibit thrombin or factor Xa, which may also cause prolonged clotting time.

5. Diffuse intravascular coagulation:

Severe infections, malignant tumors, obstetric emergencies, etc. can activate the systemic coagulation system, consuming large amounts of platelets and coagulation factors. The disease is characterized by extensive bleeding tendency and multiple organ dysfunction. Laboratory tests show a decrease in fibrinogen and an increase in D-dimer.

It was found that prolonged clotting time should be avoided through vigorous exercise and trauma, and the intake of vitamin K rich foods such as spinach and animal liver should be reduced according to medical advice. It is recommended to regularly monitor coagulation function indicators and perform coagulation factor replacement therapy if necessary. For those taking anticoagulant drugs, it is necessary to strictly follow the medication plan and observe signs of bleeding. If abnormal bleeding occurs, medical evaluation should be sought in a timely manner.