Vitamin K-induced anaphylaxis

ABSTRACT

Vitamin K is a naturally-occurring vitamin used to treat certain coagulation disorders. Despite its frequent use, vitamin K causes allergic reactions very rarely. We report a case of anaphylaxis due to vitamin K (phytonadione) that occurred in a 20-year-old man who has undergone hemorrhoid bleeding. The patient developed immediate whole body urticaria, itching sensation, dyspnea and marked hypotension about 2 minutes after the intravenous administration of vitamin K (phytonadione) and tranexamic acid for the purpose of bleeding control. Skin prick test was performed with vitamin K and tranexamic acid. Vitamin K showed positive response in skin prick test, while tranexamic acid showed negative response in skin prick test and challenge test. To our knowledge, it is the first case report of vitamin K-induced anaphylaxis that is proven with skin test. This case suggests that vitamin K can elicit anaphylaxis and skin test may be helpful in the diagnosis of a suspected allergic response to vitamin K.