Tag: End stage renal disease

While most commonly known for its anticoagulant properties, warfarin can, in rare cases, trigger the devastating condition of calciphylaxis. The mechanism behind this serious adverse effect is linked to the medication's interaction with vitamin K, which impacts not only clotting factors but also proteins that prevent vascular calcification.

Calciphylaxis is a rare but severe condition affecting 1-4% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with a one-year mortality rate that can exceed 50% [1.3.7, 1.6.2]. The question of whether vitamin D can cause calciphylaxis is complex, as it is considered a significant contributing factor, especially in susceptible individuals [1.2.1, 1.3.1].