Intracerebral hemorrhage despite prophylactic administration of vitamin K in infants--two case reports

Mika Komatsu1, Fuminari Komatsu, Hitoshi Tsugu

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Jhonan-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. approachgogo@yahoo.co.jp

Insights

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can still occur in infants despite routine prophylaxis. This study reports two cases of intracranial hemorrhage in full-term infants, highlighting the need for improved preventative strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Prophylactic vitamin K administration significantly reduced vitamin K deficiency bleeding in neonates.
  • Despite prophylaxis, late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding remains a concern in some infants.

Observation:

  • Two cases of intracranial hemorrhage with coagulopathy in full-term infants are presented.
  • Both infants had received standard prophylactic vitamin K during the neonatal period.

Findings:

  • Intracranial hemorrhage can occur in infants despite prophylactic vitamin K administration.
  • Coagulopathy was a key feature in the reported cases of vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Implications:

  • Current prophylactic vitamin K protocols may not be sufficient for all infants.
  • Further research is needed to establish more reliable methods for vitamin K prophylaxis.
  • Enhanced monitoring and diagnostic approaches for vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infants are warranted.

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