Question

Which factors are affected by Coumadin therapy?

a) III, VII, VIII
b) X, V, II, I
c) II, VII, IX, X
d) II, VII, IX, X

Answer 1

Coumadin therapy affects clotting Factors II, VII, IX, and X, as it interferes with the vitamin K cycle that is necessary for their activation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Coumadin therapy, also known as warfarin treatment, is a common anticoagulant used to prevent thrombosis and thromboembolism by inhibiting the liver's capability to produce the vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. The specific clotting factors affected by Coumadin are II, VII, IX, and X.

Vitamin K is essential for the carboxylation of these clotting factors, which allows them to bind calcium ions and function properly in the coagulation cascade. Coumadin interferes with the cyclic interconversion of vitamin K, which impairs the production of the active forms of these factors.

The liver produces several coagulation factors, including I (fibrinogen), II (prothrombin), V, VII, IX, X, and XI. Since vitamin K is vital for the synthesis of some of these factors, the use of Coumadin significantly impacts the clotting potential of the blood and is carefully monitored to prevent both thrombosis and excessive bleeding.

Considering the pathways involved in coagulation, factor VII is part of the extrinsic pathway, while factors II, IX, and X are involved in both the intrinsic and the common pathways of the clotting cascade.