The liver is the site of production for the vast majority of our clotting factors. Therefore, impaired liver function could adversely affect these hemostatic proteins. Some early indicators of a potential liver problem include:
- An increase in factor VIII. It is not produced in the liver and will be present in elevated numbers as the body attempts to compensate.
- The PT is sensitive to liver function, so an unexpected, prolonged PT should be evaluated.
- A lack of fibrinogen is often indicative of severe liver disease.
- It is difficult to treat liver disease, so therapy typically centers around replacing the missing factors by way of administration of fresh frozen plasma.