Vitamin K-dependent clotting factor deficiency in pregnancy.

A case of malabsorption of vitamin K, leading to a vitamin K-dependent clotting factor deficiency that developed during the eighth gestational month, is reported. Evaluation of the coagulopathy at term showed the cause to be an obstructive hepatobiliary disorder. Given the pathophysiologic relationship between the coagulation cascade and the hepatic and biliary systems, routine measurement of the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times is advised for all patients with evidence of hepatobiliary dysfunction.