Which statement best describes the impact of liver disease on coagulation factors?

Which statement best describes the impact of liver disease on coagulation factors?

• A. Liver disease reduces production of clotting factors, increasing bleeding risk
• B. Liver disease increases production of clotting factors
• C. Liver disease has no effect on clotting factors
• D. Liver disease only affects bilirubin metabolism

Answer: (A)

Coagulation factors are produced mainly by the liver, so when liver function is impaired, the synthesis of most clotting factors decreases. This lowers the blood’s ability to form a stable clot, leading to a higher risk of bleeding and often a prolonged clotting screen (like PT/INR). The idea that liver disease increases production is not correct, and while liver disease can affect bilirubin metabolism and other aspects of hemostasis, the direct impact on coagulation factors is a reduced production that promotes a bleeding tendency.

Coagulation factors are produced mainly by the liver, so when liver function is impaired, the synthesis of most clotting factors decreases. This lowers the blood’s ability to form a stable clot, leading to a higher risk of bleeding and often a prolonged clotting screen (like PT/INR). The idea that liver disease increases production is not correct, and while liver disease can affect bilirubin metabolism and other aspects of hemostasis, the direct impact on coagulation factors is a reduced production that promotes a bleeding tendency.