A study was condcuted evaluating the effects of long-term Warafrin use on bone mineral density (BMD). Warafrin is an anticoagualnt drug used for patients with certain heart diseases. The drug is involved in the recycling of vitamin K. This cyclical process of vitamin K formation and break down is involved in a coupled reaction that activates calcitonin and allows bone formaiton.
Vitamin K is a key component of blood coagualtion. As mentioned Warafrin works to counter this process in individuals with excessive clotting. Just as Warafrin blocks the recycling of Vitamin K, this also blocks the carboxyaltion process leading to bone formation. The current study surveyed lengths of use of Warafrin in several individuals in comparison with their BMD. Results indicated that long-term use of Warafrin had effects of lowering BMD overtime.
Note: For a review on the coupled reaction with vitamin K and where Warafrin acts check out the post titled "Vitamin K for Your Bones".
Rezaieyazdi, Z., Falsoleiman, H., Khajedualee, M., et al. (2009). Reduced Bone Density in Pateints on Long-Term Warafrin. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. July; 12(2):130-5. Blackwell Pub. England.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374330
Both my dad (age 88) and his current wife (age 91) are on coumadin because they each have pacemakers. My then 21 year old daughter developed a blood clot in her leg which was caused by her birth control pills and recent toe surgery. Thank goodness for my daughter that her course of coumadin only lasted a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteHas your daughter's condition improved? Coumadin is certainly a powerful drug. What about your dad and his wife. Have they been on long-term Coumadin use? Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes, my dad and his wife will have to stay on coumadin for the remainder of their lives. My daughter's blood clot went away after 6 months, but the clot forever changed her life because she cannot take birth control pills and for a young woman of childbearing age that can make life interesting.
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