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Vitamin K and the Newborn Infant
Ivan Hand1,2, Lawrence Noble3,4, Steven A Abrams4
1Department of Pediatrics, NYC Health + Hospitals Kings County, Brooklyn, New York.
Insights
Vitamin K prophylaxis prevents vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in newborns. Despite its success, VKDB incidence is rising due to parental refusal and less effective alternative administration methods.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
Background:
- Intramuscular vitamin K administration is a long-standing standard for preventing vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) since 1961.
- Recent trends indicate an increasing incidence of VKDB despite established preventive measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on VKDB prevention in term and preterm infants.
- To address parental concerns regarding vitamin K administration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of vitamin K administration and VKDB incidence.
- Analysis of factors contributing to increased VKDB rates.
Main Results:
- The rise in VKDB is linked to increased parental refusal of vitamin K injections.
- Alternative vitamin K administration methods show reduced efficacy compared to intramuscular routes.
Conclusions:
- Despite high efficacy, vitamin K prophylaxis faces challenges due to parental hesitancy.
- Addressing parental concerns and exploring effective administration strategies are crucial for continued VKDB prevention.
Abstract:
Intramuscular administration of vitamin K for prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) has been a standard of care since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended it in 1961. Despite the success of prevention of VKDB with vitamin K administration, the incidence of VKDB appears to be on the rise. This increase in incidence of VKDB is attributable to parental refusal as well as lowered efficacy of alternate methods of administration. The aim of this statement is to discuss the current knowledge of prevention of VKDB with respect to the term and preterm infant and address parental concerns regarding vitamin K administration.
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