Late hemorrhagic disease of infancy

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Hematology

Background:

• Vitamin K deficiency can cause serious bleeding issues in infants.
• Exclusively breastfed infants are at higher risk due to lower vitamin K levels.
• Late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) presents a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in exclusively breastfed infants.
• To highlight the importance of timely vitamin K prophylaxis in preventing severe hemorrhagic events.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of 9 infants presenting with symptoms of late VKDB over 1.5 years.
• Infants ranged from 3 weeks to 7 months old and were exclusively breastfed.
• Clinical data including bleeding type, severity, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed.

Main Results:

• Four infants experienced acute intracranial hemorrhage; 2 expired, and 2 had lasting neurological deficits.
• The remaining 5 infants presented with skin and mucosal bleeding, all of whom recovered after vitamin K treatment.
• All affected infants were exclusively breastfed and had not received vitamin K prophylaxis at birth.

Conclusions:

• Late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a serious condition in exclusively breastfed infants.
• Intracranial hemorrhage is a devastating complication with high mortality and morbidity.
• Early diagnosis and prompt vitamin K administration are vital for successful treatment and improved outcomes.