Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Secondary to Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in a

Megan A Rech1, Lindsay Wittekindt2, Samantha D Friedman3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL; Department of Emergency Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 12, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate effectively treated life-threatening vitamin K-dependent bleeding in a 6-week-old infant. This case highlights its potential use in pediatric patients lacking vitamin K prophylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Background:

  • Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4-factor PCC) is indicated for life-threatening bleeding due to vitamin K antagonism in adults.
  • Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) can present with severe hemorrhage, particularly in infants not receiving prophylactic vitamin K.

Observation:

  • A 6-week-old infant experienced life-threatening bleeding secondary to vitamin K deficiency.
  • The infant had not received vitamin K prophylaxis at birth.

Findings:

  • Administration of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate achieved hemostasis in the infant.
  • This demonstrates the successful application of 4-factor PCC in a pediatric case of severe VKDB.

Implications:

  • Four-factor PCC may be a viable treatment option for severe vitamin K-dependent bleeding in infants.
  • This case expands the potential therapeutic applications of 4-factor PCC beyond adult indications.

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