The prophylactic effects of vitamin K supplementation on coagulopathies associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The impact of vitamin K in ameliorating diabetes-associated complications, especially those linked with platelet activation and coagulation remains unclear. The current study aims to systematically explore and discuss the available evidence on the impact of vitamin K on the diabetes-cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated complications. METHODS: A systematic review of studies published on the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Google Scholar electronic database will be conducted. The review will include studies published from inception until May 25, 2020, reporting on the effect of vitamin K on CVD-related markers, especially coagulation factors and platelet activation in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Before the full-text screening, all studies will be screened by title, abstract, and keywords. The Downs and Black checklist will be used to assess the quality of the studies. Additionally, the Cochrane collaboration tool will also be used to evaluate the risk of bias across the included studies. Kappa Cohen's calculator will be used to assess the level of agreement between the authors. DISCUSSIONS: This systematic review will not require ethical approval, and the results will be distributed through conference and peer-reviewed publications. Our results will assist current and future research scientists on the potential use of vitamin K as a protective therapy against CVD-related complications. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This protocol is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42020151667.