Production of Hypoprothrombinemia and Hypoeoagulability of the Blood with Salicylates. ∗

Abstract

Conclusions

1. The oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid and sodium salicylate to human beings in daily doses of 20 to 80 grains (1.3 to 5.3 g) consistently produced hypo-prothrombinemia and hypocoagulability of the blood. 2. The administration of vitamin K with the salicylate prevented the development of hypoprothrombinemia and prolongation of the coagulation time. 3. It is theoretically possible that the not unusual hemorrhagic manifestations of acute rheumatic fever may be due in some cases, at least in part, to the large doses of salicylates so commonly administered.