Semin Thromb Hemost 2001; 27(2): 093-098
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14066
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Vitamin K Deficiency during the Perinatal and Infantile Period

Shigenori Suzuki1 , Ginko Iwata1 , Anton H. Sutor2
  • 1College of Medical Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan and
  • 2Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

ABSTRACT

Coagulation-related plasma proteins develop slowly during the gestational period and are still markedly lower than normal at birth. Great interest exists in the status of the vitamin K-dependent procoagulant factors (factors II, VII, IX and X) because a number of healthy newborns develop postpartum a bleeding tendency that is due to vitamin K deficiency. The most serious cases involve intracranial bleeding with convulsions, coma and potential death. Typically, these infants have markedly prolonged prothrombin times that shorten following the administration of vitamin K. A common feature of these infants is that they are breast-fed, although other factors, especially hepatobiliary diseases, contribute to this disorder. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can develop as early as in the first 24 hours after birth, but most infants are diagnosed between days 2 and 7 postpartum. Late forms (> 1 week and up to 6 months) are also noted. This deficiency can be compensated for by prophylactically administering vitamin K to the newborns or by bottle-feeding. Although vitamin K2 may pass in small quantities through the placenta, it is insufficient to make up for the deficit. The first dose of vitamin K can also be given orally to the newborn after one or two regular feedings, and the second dose can be administered upon discharge from the hospital. A problem that remains to be solved is the late development of vitamin K deficiency in spite of prophylaxis at birth.

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