Comparative study of oral versus injectable vitamin K in neonates

One hundred term exclusively breast fed babies weighing more than 2.5 kg were evaluated to determine the efficacy of various modes and doses of Vitamin K to prevent hemorrhagic disease of newborn (HDN). The babies were grouped into four categories of 25 each: Group A--1 mg Vitamin K intramuscular (Menadione sodium disulphite) at birth; Group B--0.5 mg Vitamin K intramuscular; Group C--1 mg Vitamin K orally, and group D--no Vitamin K. The prothrombin index was estimated in all babies between 36-72 hours of age. The results revealed a prothrombin index in Groups A, B, C and D as 94.98 +/- 7.64%, 95.08 +/- 9.91%, 92.51 +/- 10.10% and 80.39 +/- 15.90%, respectively. The differences between Groups A, B and C were insignificant. However, Group D, prothrombin index was significantly reduced as compared with the other three groups. It is, therefore, concluded that oral Vitamin K is as effective as injectable Vitamin K and its usage is recommended in our country to reduce complications and costs of parenteral therapy.