Delayed vitamin K deficiency as a cause of bleeding: still a concern in the 21st century!

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Hematology
• Neonatology

Background:

• Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a rare cause of acquired hemostatic disorders in infants.
• Prophylactic vitamin K at birth may not always prevent VKDB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report cases of VKDB in infants who received prophylactic vitamin K.
• To highlight the importance of considering VKDB in the differential diagnosis of bleeding diathesis in infants.

Main Methods:

• Case series of 11 infants presenting with bleeding symptoms.
• Laboratory investigations to confirm vitamin K deficiency.
• Treatment with vitamin K supplementation and monitoring of response.

Main Results:

• Eleven cases of VKDB were identified despite initial vitamin K prophylaxis.
• Bleeding severity ranged from minor bleeding to intracranial hemorrhage.
• Associated conditions included tuberculosis and antibiotic use for diarrhea.
• Vitamin K supplementation effectively corrected the bleeding diathesis.

Conclusions:

• VKDB can occur in infants even after receiving prophylactic vitamin K.
• VKDB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bleeding disorders in infants.
• Prompt diagnosis and vitamin K supplementation are crucial for managing VKDB.