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Severe deficiency of vitamin K dependent coagulation factors in an infant
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 10, 1979
Insights
A breast-fed infant developed severe vitamin K deficiency 25 days after birth. Maternal antibiotic use and no newborn vitamin K supplement were potential causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing blood clotting factors.
- Breastfed infants are at risk for vitamin K deficiency due to low levels in breast milk.
- Maternal antibiotic use can further reduce vitamin K availability.
Observation:
- A previously healthy, breastfed infant presented with severe deficiency of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors at 25 days of age.
- The infant had no apparent health issues prior to this presentation.
Findings:
- The infant's condition was linked to potential predisposing factors including maternal antibiotic administration and the absence of a vitamin K supplement for the newborn.
- This case highlights a severe manifestation of vitamin K deficiency in an exclusively breastfed infant.
Implications:
- Early identification and supplementation of vitamin K are crucial for preventing severe bleeding in exclusively breastfed infants.
- Healthcare providers should consider maternal medication history and infant feeding practices when assessing bleeding risks.
- This case underscores the importance of routine vitamin K prophylaxis for all newborns.
Abstract:
A severe deficiency of vitamin K dependent coagulation factors presenting 25 days after birth in an apparently healthy breast-fed infant is reported. The administration of antibiotics to the lactating mother, and lack of a vitamin K supplement to the new-born baby were possible predisposing factors.