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Acute infantile thrombocytosis and vitamin K deficiency associated with intracranial haemorrhage
Insights
A neonate experienced seizures and bleeding due to a vitamin K deficiency. Treatment with vitamin K and blood products corrected the clotting time, and thrombocytosis resolved, leading to a normal recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Vitamin K deficiency can lead to severe bleeding disorders in newborns.
- Coagulopathy and thrombocytosis are potential complications in affected infants.
Abstract:
A 5-week-old breast-fed girl presented unconscious and convulsing with heavily blood-stained CSF under increased pressure. This was associated with oozing from venepuncture sites, a grossly prolonged prothrombin time, and a raised platelet count. The prothrombin time became normal 18 hours after she had been given parenteral vitamin K and a transfusion of fresh plasma and red cells, but the thrombocytosis persisted. A moderate communicating hydrocephalus also remained and was treated, and one year later health and development appeared normal. The thrombocytosis resolved after a few weeks and has not recurred.