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Haemorrhage responsive to vitamin K in a 6-week-old infant
Insights
A breast-fed infant experienced bleeding after a procedure due to a vitamin K deficiency. Testing prothrombin time or giving vitamin K is recommended for breast-fed infants to prevent bleeding complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.
- Breast-fed infants may be at risk for vitamin K deficiency.
- Coagulation abnormalities can lead to serious complications.
Observation:
- A 6-week-old exclusively breast-fed infant presented with vomiting, jaundice, and irritability.
- Hemorrhage occurred following a lumbar puncture procedure.
- A coagulation abnormality was identified, which resolved after vitamin K administration.
Findings:
- The infant's coagulation abnormality responded effectively to vitamin K treatment.
- This suggests a potential vitamin K deficiency as the underlying cause.
- Invasive procedures in this age group carry a risk of bleeding complications.
Implications:
- Routine prothrombin time estimation before invasive procedures in exclusively breast-fed infants is advisable.
- Prophylactic vitamin K administration should be considered for breast-fed infants when vitamin K intake is uncertain.
- Early identification and management of coagulation abnormalities are crucial for infant health.
Abstract:
A 6-week-old breast-fed infant presented with vomiting, jaundice, and irritability. Haemorrhage occurred after lumbar puncture, and a coagulation abnormality which responded to vitamin K was found. It would seem prudent to estimate the prothrombin time before invasive procedures in breast-fed infants of this age, or to give vitamin K to such infants when doubt exists about previous vitamin K administration.
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