[Decreased prothrombin coagulation activities in breast-fed children?]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Hematology

Context:

• Intracranial bleeding in infants is linked to vitamin K deficiency.
• Previous cases involved exclusively breastfed infants.
• Vitamin K deficiency can affect blood coagulation factors.

Purpose:

• To assess vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in exclusively breastfed infants.
• To compare prothrombin clotting times in breastfed versus formula-fed infants.
• To investigate the need for vitamin K supplementation in neonates.

Summary:

• Prothrombin clotting times were measured in 204 healthy infants on day 5 and week 5 of life.
• On day 5, exclusively breastfed infants had significantly longer prothrombin clotting times than formula-fed infants.
• By week 5, no significant differences in clotting times were observed between feeding groups.

Impact:

• Findings suggest a potential vitamin K deficit in exclusively breastfed neonates.
• Re-evaluation of vitamin K prophylaxis for breastfed infants is warranted.
• Early detection and management of coagulation factor deficits are crucial for preventing infant bleeding events.