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Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes
Published on: June 5, 2014
Neonatal Cholestasis Presenting With Seizures Associated With Vitamin K Deficiency: A Case Report
Bipesh Kumar Shah1, Smita Paudel1
1Department of Pediatrics, B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Insights
Neonatal cholestasis can cause Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in infants, presenting as GI bleeding or seizures. Early recognition and treatment of VKDB are crucial for preventing severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Neonatal cholestasis is a rare but significant cause of Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
- VKDB can manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding or, in severe instances, intracranial hemorrhage.
- Infants with cholestasis are at risk for coagulopathy due to vitamin K malabsorption.
Abstract:
Neonatal Cholestasis is one of the rare yet important causes of Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in infants. VKDB may present as Gastro Intestinal (GI) bleeding and in severe cases as Intracranial hemorrhage. We report a case of a 42 days old, previously healthy, male infant presenting with seizures and GI bleeding. Laboratory investigations revealed direct hyperbilirubinemia and markedly elevated PT/INR. These findings were consistent with neonatal cholestasis and Vitamin K deficiency. Cranial and Abdominal Ultrasonography were normal. The seizure was managed with Vit K and Fresh Frozen Plasma following which his coagulation profile and clinical status improved. Although intracranial hemorrhage could not be confirmed radiologically, this case highlights the importance of considering vitamin K deficiency and underlying hepatobiliary pathology in infants presenting with bleeding manifestations and seizures. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
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