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Vitamin K effect in low birth weight infants
1Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Medical School, Japan.
Pediatrics
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Low birth weight infants have lower levels of factor II coagulant antigen and coagulant activity. Vitamin K2 administration improved these levels, suggesting its prophylactic effectiveness in preventing hypoprothrombinemia.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Low birth weight infants often exhibit impaired hemostasis.
- Vitamin K is crucial for the synthesis of coagulation factors, including Factor II.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coagulation factor levels in low birth weight infants.
- To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin K2 in treating hypoprothrombinemia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of Factor II coagulant antigen (FII-AG), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II), and coagulant activity (normotest).
- Comparison between low birth weight infants and full-term infants.
- Group A infants received vitamin K2, while Group B did not.
Main Results:
- One-day-old low birth weight infants showed lower FII-AG and normotest levels than full-term infants.
- PIVKA-II levels became positive in 65.2% of untreated infants (Group B) within seven days.
- Vitamin K treatment led to greater normotest improvement in infants with positive PIVKA-II levels.
Conclusions:
- Hypoprothrombinemia in low birth weight infants is linked to reduced Factor II coagulant antigen synthesis.
- Prophylactic vitamin K administration is effective in improving coagulation parameters, likely by enhancing Factor II synthesis.