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[Life-threatening hemorrhage caused by vitamin K deficiency in breast-fed infants]
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|May 1, 1987
Insights
Late-onset hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) can occur in breast-fed infants without vitamin K prophylaxis. This serious condition, sometimes fatal, underscores the need for universal vitamin K.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Vitamin K deficiency can cause severe bleeding in infants.
- Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) is typically seen in the neonatal period.
- Late-onset HDN beyond the neonatal period is less common but significant.
Observation:
- Four infants (2 male, 2 female) presented with acute bleeding beyond the neonatal period.
- All infants were born appropriate for gestational age and received no vitamin K prophylaxis.
- All affected infants were exclusively breast-fed.
Findings:
- Two infants experienced fatal intracranial hemorrhage.
- The cases demonstrate the occurrence of late-onset hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
- Vitamin K deficiency was the underlying cause of the bleeding episodes.
Implications:
- This study reinforces the existence and severity of late-onset HDN.
- Universal vitamin K prophylaxis is crucial for preventing severe bleeding in infants.
- Healthcare providers should consider vitamin K deficiency in breast-fed infants presenting with unexplained bleeding.
Abstract:
4 infants (2 males, 2 females) with acute bleedings due to vitamin K-deficiency beyond the neonatal period are reported. Two infants had intracranial haemorrhage and died. All infants were born appropriate for date and became no vitamin K-prophylaxis. All were breast-fed. This report is a further prove for the existence of the late onset haemorrhagic disease of the newborn. The importance of general vitamin K-prophylaxis is outlined.