differential diagnosis of prolonged PT and PTT

Last reviewed 01/2018

Diseases which may increase both PT and PTT include:

  • liver disease
  • vitamin K deficiency
  • disseminated intravascular coagulation
  • heparin
  • warfarin
  • isolated factor deficiencies - II, V, X - all rare

Note:

  • vitamin K deficiency is distinguished from liver disease by its response to vitamin K therapy
  • platelet count and fibrinogen levels are usually decreased in DIC but normal in vitamin K deficiency and liver disease