A Rare Cause of Prolonged Prothrombin Time: Alagille Syndrome
Abstract
Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by bile duct aplasia accompanied by cholestatic liver disease and multisystem involvement, including typical facial features, congenital heart anomalies, butterfly vertebrae, ophthalmologic abnormalities, and renal anomalies. It is associated with mutations in cell signaling pathway genes such as JAG1 (Jagged Canonical Notch Ligand 1) and NOTCH2 (Notch Receptor 2)1 . Its reported incidence ranges from 1 in 70,000 to 1 in 100,000; however, with the development of molecular screening tests, the true prevalence is estimated to be approximately 1 in 30,0002. Due to the absence of bile ducts, bile flow to the intestine is impaired in ALGS, which may lead to vitamin K deficiency, prolonged INR, and bleeding manifestations. In this study, we present a patient with Alagille syndrome who developed severe coagulopathy and bleeding manifestations due to vitamin K deficiency associated with cholestasis. Clinical findings, laboratory results, imaging studies, and treatment response were evaluated. Alagille syndrome may present with vitamin K deficiency–related coagulopathy and bleeding due to impaired bile flow and fat-soluble vitamin malabsorption. Therefore, monitoring coagulation parameters and early recognition of vitamin deficiencies are important for preventing bleeding complications in patients with ALGS.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Haematology
Journal Section
Case Report
Authors
Kübra Yazar
This is me
0009-0008-1648-5651
Türkiye
Vehbi Demircan
0000-0002-0378-8687
Türkiye
Abdullah Karakuş
0000-0003-2090-4392
Türkiye
Orhan Ayyıldız
0000-0001-5673-8408
Türkiye
Publication Date
April 30, 2026
Submission Date
March 23, 2026
Acceptance Date
April 15, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 18 Number: 1