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Acarboxy prothrombin (PIVKA-II) in cord plasma in the south of Thailand
V Laosombat1, K Kenpitak, M Wongchanchailert
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
Insights
A high prevalence of vitamin K deficiency was found in newborns in South Thailand, indicated by PIVKA-II levels. Prophylactic vitamin K at birth is recommended for all infants to prevent deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin K deficiency is a concern in newborns.
- Acarboxy prothrombin or PIVKA-II (protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II) is a biomarker for vitamin K status.
- Previous studies have indicated potential vitamin K deficiency in certain populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in newborn infants in South Thailand using PIVKA-II.
- To compare PIVKA-II levels between infants of primigravida and multigravida mothers.
- To assess the correlation between PIVKA-II levels and clinical bleeding events.
Main Methods:
- Assay of 230 cord blood samples using the ELISA method for PIVKA-II.
- Analysis of PIVKA-II levels (0.13-17 AU/ml).
- Comparison of positive PIVKA-II rates based on maternal gravidity.
Main Results:
- 34.8% of newborn infants tested positive for PIVKA-II.
- Higher positive rates of PIVKA-II were observed in infants of primigravida mothers (50.7%) compared to multigravida mothers (27.9%).
- No infant with positive PIVKA-II in cord blood experienced clinical bleeding, despite all receiving prophylactic vitamin K.
Conclusions:
- There is a high prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in newborn infants in South Thailand.
- Prophylactic vitamin K administration at birth is crucial for all newborns in this region.
- Early detection and prevention strategies are essential for neonatal health.
Abstract:
Acarboxy prothrombin or PIVKA-II (protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II) was used to determine the presence of vitamin deficiency in newborn infants. Of 230 cord blood samples assayed by using ELISA method, 34.8 per cent were positive for PIVKA-II 0.13-17 AU/ml. The positive rate for PIVKA-II was greater in infants of primigravida (50.7%) than in those of multigravida (27.9%). All infants received prophylactic vitamin K, and no infant with positive PIVKA-II in cord blood subsequently had clinical bleeding. Because of the high prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in newborn infants in the South of Thailand, all newborn infants should receive prophylactic vitamin K at birth.