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The challenge to define the optimal prophylactic regimen for vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infants
Chiara Lembo1, Giuseppe Buonocore1, Serafina Perrone2
1Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Insights
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) remains a risk for infants. Combined prophylactic strategies reduce severe late VKDB, but optimal regimens for newborns are still debated.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
Background:
- Infants face risks of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
- Despite various prophylactic measures, late-onset VKDB persists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of vitamin K prophylaxis in infants.
- To discuss the ongoing debate regarding optimal prophylactic regimens for preventing VKDB.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on vitamin K prophylaxis strategies.
- Analysis of the effectiveness of combined prophylactic approaches.
Main Results:
- Combined strategies, including oral prophylaxis post-intramuscular dose, decrease severe late VKDB.
- Late-form VKDB has not been entirely eradicated in infants.
Conclusions:
- The optimal vitamin K prophylactic regimen for term and preterm infants remains an open question.
- Further research is needed to establish a universally accepted administration scheme.
Abstract:
Infants are at risk of vitamin K deficiency that may lead to vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Although many vitamin K prophylactic regimens have been developed throughout the years, still cases of late form VKBD may occur. The introduction of combined prophylactic strategy with prolonged oral prophylaxes after the intramuscular dose at birth has showed a decrease of the late severe VKDB incidence. Nevertheless, there is still lack of consensus about the administration scheme after the first dose at birth. CONCLUSION: Late form VKBD is not eradicated, and the best prophylactic regimen in term and preterm infants is still an open debate.
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