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Intracranial hemorrhage in an infant owing to vitamin K deficiency despite prophylaxis
K Suzuki1, T Fukushima, K Meguro
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.
Insights
Vitamin K deficiency can cause intracranial hemorrhage in infants. Even with Vitamin K2 prophylaxis, especially in breast-fed infants or those on antibiotics, continued vigilance and supplementation are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Vitamin K deficiency is a known cause of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in infants.
- While Vitamin K prophylaxis has reduced ICH incidence, cases still occur.
Observation:
- A 3-month-old male infant presented with intracranial hemorrhage.
- The infant received oral Vitamin K2 at birth, 5 days, and 1 month.
- Oral antibiotics were administered 2 days prior to bleeding onset.
Findings:
- The infant's intracranial hemorrhage was attributed to vitamin K deficiency.
- This case highlights that spontaneous ICH can still occur despite Vitamin K2 prophylaxis.
Implications:
- Vitamin K prophylaxis is particularly important for breast-fed infants.
- Infants receiving antibiotic therapy may require heightened attention for vitamin K status.
- Further research into optimal vitamin K supplementation strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
A 3-month-old male infant with intracranial hemorrhage attributable to a vitamin K deficiency is reported. Vitamin K2 was administered orally at birth and then at 5 days and I month of age. Oral antibiotics were also given 2 days before the onset of bleeding. Although the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage resulting from vitamin K deficiency has decreased since the introduction of vitamin K2 prophylaxis, spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages are still being reported in infants. We suggest that vitamin K prophylaxis is needed especially for breast-fed infants and for those undergoing antibiotic therapy.