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Mother-infant prothrombin precursor status at birth.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Vitamin K deficiency in newborns, a cause of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDNB), may stem from maternal vitamin K deficiency. Maternal and infant vitamin K status are linked, suggesting prenatal deficiency is a risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDNB) affects approximately one-third of term neonates, often linked to vitamin K deficiency.
- Previous research indicated a significant risk of HDNB in term neonates, presumed to be vitamin K deficiency-related.
Observation:
- This study investigated the relationship between neonatal and maternal vitamin K status using the PIVKA assay in 46 normal mother-infant pairs.
- PIVKA (proteins induced by vitamin K absence) was detected in 28% of infants and 15% of mothers at term.
Findings:
- A significant correlation was observed between maternal and infant PIVKA status (p < 0.03).
- Maternal PIVKA status was found to be a predictor of infant PIVKA status.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that maternal vitamin K deficiency may be a primary cause of fetal vitamin K deficiency.
- Maternal vitamin K status is a critical factor in preventing HDNB in newborns.