Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
08:18
Author Spotlight: Unraveling Vitamin A Transport Mechanisms — Linking Liver Receptors to Vision Health Through RBPR2 and RBP4 Interactions
Published on: October 4, 2024
1.5K
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding: a case study.
Christopher W Woods1, Amanda G Woods, Carmen K Cederholm
1Wake Forest Baptist Health (Mr Woods) and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (Ms Woods), Winston Salem, and Alamance Regional Medical Center, Burlington, North Carolina (Mrs Cederholm).
Summary
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a serious neonatal condition caused by insufficient vitamin K. This case highlights the critical need for vitamin K prophylaxis in newborns to prevent severe bleeding risks.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), previously known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), is a preventable bleeding disorder in neonates.
- Vitamin K is crucial for synthesizing coagulation factors essential for hemostasis.
- Despite recommendations for routine vitamin K prophylaxis, parental refusal remains a concern.
Observation:
- This case study details an infant who developed VKDB despite the absence of vitamin K prophylaxis at birth.
- The infant presented with bleeding complications attributed to vitamin K deficiency.
Findings:
- Inadequate vitamin K levels directly impair the coagulation cascade, leading to bleeding disorders like VKDB.
- Newborns are particularly vulnerable due to limited vitamin K transfer across the placenta and low levels in breast milk.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must educate parents on the risks associated with withholding vitamin K prophylaxis.
- Early recognition of VKDB signs and symptoms is vital for timely intervention and management in at-risk infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Vitamins
2.5K
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
2.5K
01:22Bleeding in Fresh Concrete
611
Bleeding in fresh concrete occurs when water from the mix rises to the surface. This happens because the mix's solid components fail to retain all the water as they settle, leading to separation where water collects at the top. The severity of bleeding can be measured by assessing the total settlement or by noting the decrease in height per unit height of concrete.
Bleeding can cause several issues in the concrete structure. Sometimes, the rising water gets trapped beneath large aggregate...
Bleeding can cause several issues in the concrete structure. Sometimes, the rising water gets trapped beneath large aggregate...
611
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.0K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
8.0K
01:27Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption
1.6K
Electrolytes are essential minerals and ions primarily obtained from the diet and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the small intestine. While the absorption of iron and calcium primarily occurs in the duodenum, calcium is also absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. In these regions, passive diffusion contributes to its absorption alongside active transport mechanisms in the duodenum. These ions can exit the enterocytes through specialized active...
1.6K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
5.6K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
5.6K
01:18Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
2.5K
Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
2.5K