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Published on: August 25, 2022
Intracranial haemorrhage is linked to late onset vitamin K deficiency in infants aged 2-24 weeks
M S Elalfy1, I A Elagouza, F A Ibrahim
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) causes serious intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in infants. This study found a high frequency of ICH in Egyptian infants, highlighting the need for improved vitamin K supplementation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) poses a significant risk for infants.
- Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe manifestation of VKDB, particularly in early onset cases.
- Understanding the frequency and outcomes of ICH in infants is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in infants aged 2-24 weeks.
- To investigate the association between vitamin K deficiency and ICH in this age group.
- To assess the outcomes of infants experiencing ICH due to late VKDB.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Cairo, Egypt.
- The study included 40 patients with ICH and 50 age-matched controls.
- Vitamin K levels were assessed in patients with ICH.
Main Results:
- 21 infants with ICH had significantly low vitamin K levels.
- Exclusive breastfeeding, prolonged diarrhea, and recent antibiotic use were more common in infants with ICH.
- The study identified specific risk factors associated with ICH in the studied population.
Conclusions:
- A high frequency of ICH due to late VKDB was observed in Egyptian infants (2-24 weeks).
- Outcomes for these infants were poorer compared to international data.
- A national survey is recommended to evaluate vitamin K prophylaxis and reduce ICH incidence.
Aim:
Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) can be serious and manifest as early onset intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). This study aimed to determine the frequency of ICH in relation to vitamin K deficiency and the outcome in infants aged two to 24 weeks.
Method:
A hospital-based study was conducted in two main tertiary hospitals in Cairo, Egypt, from May 2011 to May 2012 with 40 patients with ICH and 50 age-matched controls without ICH.
Results:
Forty patients with ICH were recruited, 19 were excluded for clinical reasons and the remaining 21 had a significantly low vitamin K level. Exclusive breast feeding (81% of patients), diarrhoea lasting more than 1 week (38.1%) and antibiotic consumption within a week before the development of ICH (57.1%) were more common in the patients than in the control group (p value>0.05, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively).
Conclusion:
A high frequency of ICH due to late VKDB was reported in Egyptian infants aged two to 24 weeks, with poorer outcomes than international studies. A national survey is required to evaluate the timing and protective value of a second booster vitamin K dose to reduce ICH, especially in high-risk patients in this age group.
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