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[Intracranial hemorrhage caused by vitamin K deficiency in early infancy. Still a problem?]
G Pagani1, R Zanini, P L Filipponi
1Divisione di Pediatria, Ospedale S. Anna, Como, Italia.
Insights
Intracranial hemorrhage in infants can be recognized by specific symptoms. Vitamin K supplementation at birth is advised for exclusively breast-fed infants to prevent this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious condition in infants.
- Vitamin K deficiency is a known cause of bleeding disorders in newborns.
Observation:
- A case of ICH in a one-month-old infant is presented.
- The infant exhibited specific prodromal symptoms.
- Exclusively breast-fed infants are at higher risk.
Findings:
- Timely recognition of ICH is possible by identifying key clinical signs.
- Vitamin K deficiency is a significant factor in early infancy ICH.
- The incidence is notable in the first few months of life.
Implications:
- Early identification of ICH symptoms can improve infant outcomes.
- Routine vitamin K supplementation at birth is crucial for exclusively breast-fed infants.
- This highlights the importance of preventive strategies in neonatal care.
Abstract:
A case of intracranial hemorrhage in a one month old infant is reported. A review of the prodromal symptoms presented by this infant seems useful to delineate a clinical picture that should allow a timely recognition of this problem in the population at risk. Furthermore, the relative frequency of this entity, due to vitamin K deficiency, in the first months of life in exclusively breast-fed infants, confirms the advisability of vitamin K supplementation at birth.