[The importance of administering vitamin K intramuscularly in neonates]. / Het belang van intramusculaire vitamine K-toediening bij pasgeborenen.

BACKGROUND: Infants who are born in The Netherlands receive oral vitamin K to prevent bleeding due to a vitamin K deficiency. However the incidence of such bleedings are higher compared to other European countries. Therefore, the Dutch Health Council advised in 2017 to change this guideline from oral to intramuscular administration. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2 months old girl presented with a fatal intracranial hemorrhage. A day before she developed a hematoma on her foot and orbit. Despite daily oral vitamin K, blood results revealed a severe vitamin K deficiency-related bleeding. Postmortem liver biopsy and genetic studies showed cholestasis as the most likely cause of malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins due to a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the ABCB11 gene, which could possibly be transient. CONCLUSION: Our case illustrates the importance of revising the national guideline for vitamin K prophylaxis to intramuscular administration, according to the recommendation of the Dutch Health Council.

Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding: An Ounce of Prevention.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the formation of factors in the clotting cascade. Newborns are born with insufficient levels of vitamin K, resulting in high risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can occur in the first week of life ("classic" VKDB) and also between 2 weeks and 3 months of age ("late" VKDB). Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can present as bleeding in the skin or gastrointestinal tract, with as many as half of affected neonates experiencing intracranial bleeding. A single intramuscular injection of vitamin K effectively prevents both classic and late VKDB. Although intramuscular vitamin K is safe and effective, VKDB has reemerged because of decreased utilization. Parents refuse intramuscular vitamin K for a variety of reasons, including a disproven association with childhood cancer, the desire to avoid exposure to additives, and valid concerns about early neonatal pain. Many parents request oral vitamin K, an inferior alternative strategy that requires multiple doses utilizing products not designed for neonatal oral administration. In this setting, health care professionals must understand the epidemiology of VKDB and compassionately counsel parents to assuage concerns. Delivery of intramuscular vitamin K to all newborns remains a public health imperative, benefitting thousands of infants annually.

Educating Parents on Vitamin K Prophylaxis for Newborns.

Vitamin K is important in the clotting cascade, and vitamin K prophylaxis is important in preventing vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in newborns. Breastfed newborns have been found to be particularly vulnerable to VKDB. Although oral vitamin K is available, there is no version for newborns approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and if a dose is missed, the risk of VKDB may more than double. Therefore, an injection is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to prevent VKDB in newborns. Nurses often administer the newborn vitamin K injection, and they play a key role in educating parents and helping them make informed decisions about vitamin K prophylaxis for their newborns.

[CURRENT APPROACHES TO PREVENTION OF BLEEDINGS, ASSOCIATED WITH VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY IN NEWBORNS AND INFANTS].

In the article intended for neonatologists, general practitioners and family doctors, the main causes of hemostatic disorders that lead to the development of hemorrhagic syndrome in newborns and infants are given. The emphasis is on the different forms of neonatal hemorrhagic disease (HD), which is based on the deficiency of vitamin K1, and therefore the bleeding that is observed in children who are breastfed in the first half of life is mostly associated, namely, with vitamin K deficiency. Risk factors of HD depending from the time of the beginning, of the action of one or another factor. The main clinical manifestations of both early and late forms of HD are described, it is shown which of them are mistakenly diagnosed that lead to the appointment of the wrong treatment. The assessment of the need for prevention of late form of bleeding associated with vitamin K deficiency is carried out by determining the concentration in the blood of a functional coagulation marker - PIVKA II. Modern methods of prevention of late bleeding associated with vitamin K1 deficiency, based on nosological units - chronic cholestasis, cystic fibrosis, are presented. The current recommendations on the use of vitamin K1 in newborns and infants of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the scientific community of Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, France, the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), the World Health Organization, which are clearly followed by the effects of local peculiarities are described and interpreted. on approaches to the prevention of bleeding associated with vitamin K1 deficiency, which affects the choice of a single dose, the duration of the prophylactic course and the route of administration of vitamin in K1 (phytomenadion). The role of parents in the prevention of vitamin K deficiency is emphasized.

Newborn Vitamin K Prophylaxis: A Historical Perspective to Understand Modern Barriers to Uptake.

Since its initial discovery almost a century ago, vitamin K has been labeled as both lifesaving and malignancy causing. This has led to debate of not only its use in general but also regarding its appropriate dose and route. In this article, we review through a historical lens the past 90 years of newborn vitamin K from its discovery through to its modern use of preventing vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Although researchers in surveillance studies have shown considerable reductions in VKDB following intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis, ongoing barriers to the universal uptake of vitamin K prophylaxis remain. Reviewing the history of newborn vitamin K provides an opportunity for a greater understanding of the current barriers to uptake that we face. Although at times difficult, improving this understanding may allow us to address contentious issues related to parental and health professional beliefs and values as well as improve overall communication. The ultimate goal is to improve and maintain the uptake of vitamin K to prevent VKDB in newborns.

Prevención de hemorragias en el posoperatorio temprano de cirugía bariátrica: Papel de la vitamina K / Prevention of hemorrhage in the early postoperative period of bariatric surgery: Role of vitamin K

Introducción: la cirugía bariátrica es el tratamiento más eficaz para la obesidad mórbida. La hemorragia se presenta en el 0,5-5% de las pacientes. La preparación prequirúrgica con dieta líquida y el uso de antibióticos para Helicobacter pylori podría alterar el metabolismo de la vitamina K y asociarse a hemorragia. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de la concentración de protrombina (basal = B-PT y prequirúrgica = preQ-PT) en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo donde se comparó la concentración de B-PT (15-180 días previos a la cirugía) y la preQ-PT (24 horas previas a la cirugía). Resultados: se incluyeron 194 pacientes, de los cuales el 72% (n = 139) fueron mujeres, de entre 19 y 69 años, con BMI (IMC) 45 (33 a 58) y pérdida de peso prequirúrgica del 7% (-2 a 17). El promedio de B-PT fue 91,9% (DE 9,529), el promedio de la preQ-PT fue 81,1% (DE 10,760); descendió un 10,8% (p < 0,001). No hubo diferencias significativas cuando se comparó el comportamiento en la preQ-PT entre los diferentes subgrupos (uso de antibióticos para Helicobacter pylori, de acuerdo con la pérdida de peso y en relación con la suplementación de vitamina K); sin embargo, siempre se detectó descenso de la preQ-PT. No hubo ninguna complicación hemorrágica (necesidad de transfusiones o reoperación); tampoco hubo muerte por hemorragias ni eventos tromboembólicos. Conclusión: realizar dosaje de protrombina 24 horas antes de la cirugía bariátrica permite detectar alteraciones iatrogénicas de la coagulación inducidas por la dieta y el uso de antibióticos.

Background: bariatric surgery is the most efficient treatment for morbid obesity. Bleeding occurs in 0.5-5% of patients. Pre-surgical preparation with liquid diet and the use of antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori could alter the metabolism of vitamin K and be associated with hemorrhage. Objective: to describe the behavior of the concentration of Prothrombin (basal = B-PT and pre-surgical = preQ-PT) in these patients. Material and methods: a prospective cohort study comparing B-PT concentration (15-180 days prior to surgery) and preQ-PT (24 h prior to surgery) was performed. Results: a total of 194 patients were included in the study, with 72% (n = 139) women aged 19-69 years, BMI 45 (33 to 58) and preoperative weight loss of 7% (-2 to 17). The media B-PT was 91.9% (SD 9.529), the media pre-PT was 81.1% (SD 10.760); declined 10.8% (p <0.001). There was no significant difference when comparing the behavior in the preQ-PT among different subgroups (use of antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori, according to weight loss and in relation to vitamin K supplementation), however, there was always a decrease of the preQ-PT. There were no bleeding complications (need for transfusions or re-intervetion), nor was there death for bleeding or thromboembolic events. Conclusion: prothrombin measurement 24 hours before bariatric surgery allows the detection of iatrogenic coagulation alterations induced by diet and the use of antibiotics.

Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding.

The risk that a newborn will develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding is 1700/100,000 (one out of 59) if vitamin K is not administered. When intramuscular vitamin K is administered, the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding is reduced to 1/100,000. While women may have misconceptions about vitamin K prophylaxis for their newborns, health care providers should be prepared with factual information. Prophylaxis is needed even for healthy newborns without risk factors for bleeding. Other forms of vitamin K supplementation, including oral administration of Food and Drug Administration-approved vitamin K preparations and maternal supplements during pregnancy or lactation, do not have the same effectiveness as the parenteral form. The formulations of vitamin K approved for use in the United States have not been associated with childhood leukemia or other childhood health problems. Care providers need to give accurate information to families regarding the risks and benefits of vitamin K prophylaxis. An interprofessional approach to education can be effective in increasing acceptance of vitamin K prophylaxis and decreasing the incidence of vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This article uses a case study approach to highlight common misconceptions about vitamin K prophylaxis and discuss a recent interprofessional collaboration to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Reasons for Refusal of Newborn Vitamin K Prophylaxis: Implications for Management and Education.

OBJECTIVE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends intramuscular (IM) vitamin K prophylaxis for all newborns to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Given the serious implications of late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding, our objective was to examine factors influencing parents' decisions to refuse IM vitamin K prophylaxis. METHODS: Parents intending to refuse IM vitamin K prophylaxis at delivery were recruited from 5 community hospitals, 1 academic medical center, and 2 birthing centers in a single Southeastern state. Participants completed a written survey including demographics, birth and parenting decisions (eg, breastfeeding), and open-ended questions about their vitamin K information sources, concerns, and knowledge of risks. RESULTS: The incidence of refusal was highest at the birthing centers. Fifty-four parents intending to refuse IM vitamin K completed the survey. Most were white (78%), over age 30 (57%), and college graduates (65%). All reported intention to exclusively breastfeed. Most refused hepatitis B vaccine (90%) and erythromycin eye ointment (77%). The most common source of information was the Internet (70%). Concerns included synthetic or toxic ingredients (37%), excessive dose (28%), and side effects (24%). Eighty-three percent of parents reported awareness of risks associated with vitamin K refusal. However, only 6 parents (11%) decided to accept IM prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an understanding of the concerns, mindset, and information sources used by parents refusing IM vitamin K. Educating parents about the importance of IM prophylaxis should begin in the prenatal period and must address concerns parents identify on the Internet.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding: a case study.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), formerly known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), is a bleeding disorder in neonates that is caused by inadequate serum levels of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a nutrient essential for adequate function of the coagulation cascade. Certain internal and external factors place newborn infants at higher risk for VKDB. Therefore, vitamin K prophylaxis has become the standard of care for newborns. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the administration of vitamin K to newborns, some parents are choosing to withhold vitamin K administration at birth. This case study describes an infant who developed VKDB in the absence of vitamin K prophylaxis. Although parents ultimately have the right to choose whether or not to administer vitamin K, as healthcare professionals, it is important to provide education regarding the potential complications of withholding vitamin K and the signs of VKDB if vitamin K prophylaxis at birth is withheld.

Parents' knowledge and perceptions regarding vitamin K prophylaxis in newborns.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing trend of parents refusing vitamin K (VK) prophylaxis in newborns. We examined the knowledge, perceptions, cultural and religious barriers of expecting parents regarding VK prophylaxis. OBSERVATIONS: Questionnaires were completed by 217 participants: 151 female participants and 85% were expecting their first child. Two thirds had academic degrees, yet were ignorant regarding recommendation to provide VK (22.5%), source (15.5%), action (34%), and provision options (29%). Moreover, first-time parents had not yet decided to provide VK after birth (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to provide expecting parents with information regarding safety, utility, and benefits of VK prophylaxis.

Surgical evacuation of neonatal intracranial hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

OBJECT: Although the incidence of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in neonates has dramatically decreased in the developed world since the adoption of routine vitamin K prophylaxis, in developing countries the incidence is still high. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most dangerous complication. Early recognition and management are important to decrease the mortality rate and neurological sequelae. The authors conducted a prospective study between January 2008 and June 2010. They included all full-term neonates referred to the Department of Neurosurgery at Mansoura University Children's Hospital with ICH complicating VKDB and necessitating surgical evacuation. The objective was to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, hospital course, and outcome of ICH in full-term neonates with VKDB after surgical evacuation. METHODS: Thirty-two neonates with ICH due to VKDB were included. Diagnosis and classification of ICH were based on detailed history, physical examination, and the interpretation of CT or MR imaging studies. The diagnosis of VKDB was based on pretreatment coagulation studies (prothrombin time [PT] and partial thromboplastin time [PTT]), which are grossly abnormal, together with a normal platelet count and correction of coagulation results to normal after vitamin K administration. RESULTS: The mean age (± SD) at onset of symptoms was 20.4 ± 4.9 days. Two neonates (6.25%) had early VKDB, 7 (21.9%) had classic VKDB, and 23 (71.9%) had late VKDB. The most common neurological manifestations included focal seizures, disturbed consciousness level, and tense anterior fontanel. The most common general manifestations included pallor, respiratory distress, and bleeding from other sites. Radiological findings varied from acute subdural hemorrhage (SDH) in 18 cases (56.3%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 10 (31.3%), and acute SDH with underlying intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage in 4 (12.5%). Before administration of vitamin K, the PT was 72.1 ± 45.0 seconds and the PTT was 112.4 ± 57.6 seconds. Six to 12 hours after administration of vitamin K, the PT was 14.6 ± 1.6 seconds and the PTT was 34.4 ± 1.0 seconds. All patients underwent surgery for evacuation of the ICH after correction of PT, prothrombin activity, and international normalized ratio. Evacuation of the ICH was done by either free or osteoblastic bone flap. Six patients (18.8%) died, and the other 26 patients had variable degrees of morbidity during the follow-up period (3-24 months). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin K deficiency bleeding, especially the late-onset form, is an important cause of neonatal ICH. In the present study, the most frequent form of ICH in neonates was SDH. Focal seizures, disturbed consciousness level, tense anterior fontanel, unexplained anemia, and respiratory distress were the major presenting signs. Despite early surgical evacuation, these cases are associated with high mortality rate and neurological disabilities. Vitamin K prophylaxis at birth may reduce these severe complications.

Late haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Late haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) can occur owing to a lack of vitamin K prophylaxis, as a manifestation of an underlying disorder or idiopatically from the 8th day to 12 weeks after birth. METHODS: Eight infants admitted to Kocaeli University Hospital with nine episodes of late HDN between January 2002 and April 2005 were evaluated retrospectively from hospital records. RESULTS: The median age at presentation was 46 (26-111) days. All the infants were born at full-term to healthy mothers and were exclusively breast-fed. All had an uneventful perinatal history, except one who had meconium aspiration. Four patients had received no vitamin K prophylaxis and another three had uncertain histories. At presentation, six had intracranial bleeding and the remainder had bleeding either from the venepuncture site or the gastro-intestinal tract. The presenting signs and symptoms were irritability, vomiting, bulging or full fontanelle, convulsions and diminished or absent neonatal reflexes. Galactosaemia was detected in a 2-month-old infant with prolonged jaundice. There was no surgery-related mortality or complications but one survived for only 2 days on ventilatory support following surgery. Only one of the six survivors had severe neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Late HDN frequently presents with intracranial haemorrhage, leading to high morbidity and mortality. HDN can be the manifestation of an underlying metabolic disorder. Vitamin K prophylaxis of the newborn should be routine in developing countries.

Vitamin K--what, why, and when.

Policies for giving babies vitamin K prophylactically at birth have been dictated, over the last 60 years, more by what manufacturers decided on commercial grounds to put on the market, than by any informed understanding of what babies actually need, or how it can most easily be given. By a pure fluke a 1 mg IM dose, designed to prevent early vitamin deficiency bleeding ("haemorrhagic disease of the newborn") has been found to protect against late deficiency bleeding-a condition unrecognised at the time this policy took hold. Alternative strategies for oral prophylaxis are now opening up (see pp 109 and 113), but these are also, at the moment, dictated more by what the manufacturers choose to provide than by what would make for ease of delivery either in poor countries, or in the developed world.

Resurgimiento de enfermedad hemorrógica del recién nacido. Implicaciones para su prevención / Re-emergence of hemorrhagic disease in newborns. Implications for its prevention

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) at a tertiary care pediatric hospital of Morelos state. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective case series study was conducted between 1997-2000 at Hospital del Niño Morelense (Morelos State Children's Hospital), in 46 newborns aged under 12 weeks. Study subjects were referred from peripheral units with a diagnosis of HDN. RESULTS: The severe late-onset form of HDN was present in 91 of the cases. Fifty-two percent of childbirths were assisted by a physician and 48 by an empiric midwife. Application of vitamin K was unknown in 61 of cases, in 39 it was not applied and in 4 it was applied. The majority of infants presented severe symptoms due to intra-cranial bleeding, 11 died, and 41 had severe disease sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of HDN in the State of Morelos, reproductive health programs should be reviewed and training programs intensified to promote the utilization of vitamin K by physicians and nurses for preventing this disease.

[Effect of oral and intramuscular vitamin K on the factors II, VII, IX, X, and PIVKA II in the infant newborn under 60 days of age]. / Efecto de la vitamina K oral e intramuscular sobre los factores II, VII, IX, X y PIVKA II en el recién nacido hasta los 60 días de edad. Relación con la alimentación.

BACKGROUND: Neonates on exclusive breast feeding that do not receive vitamin K at birth are at higher risk hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. AIM: To compare the effect of oral or intramuscular administration of vitamin K1 (VK1), on clotting factors II, VII, IX, X and PIVKA II, in children until the 60 days of age with exclusive breast feeding or mixed feeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty healthy full term infants, distributed in two groups, A: 20 with mixed feeding (formula-feeding and breast-feeding) and B: 20 with exclusive breast feeding, were studied. Nine infants of each group received 1 mg of VK1 intramuscularly and eleven 2 mg VK orally 5 ml of cord blood was collected initially from each infant. Venous blood samples were taken on 15, 30 and 60 days of age. RESULTS: All factors increased in a progressive form reaching levels over 50% at 60 days of age, in both groups. PIVKA II decreased significantly during the study period (p < 0.01). Factor II increased more in children with mixed feeding that received intramuscular vitamin K, than in the rest of study groups. No other differences between groups were observed. No infant had an abnormal bleeding during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of vitamin K is as effective as the intramuscular route in the prevention of the hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Hemorrhagic disease in a newborn due to inadequate vitamin K prophylaxis: case report.

Vitamin K prophylaxis for all neonates has been recommended to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), but it is still an uncommon practice in most developing countries throughout the world. In the United States and Canada, where vitamin K injections continue to be recommended in the newborn period, HDN is not a major concern. The risk factors for HDN include inadequate vitamin K prophylaxis, exclusively breast-fed infants, diarrhea, and alternative causes of vitamin K deficiency, such as liver disease and cystic fibrosis. We present an exclusively breast-fed 3-week-old infant with diarrhea for 2 days who died from intracranial hemorrhage related to HDN despite having received a single intramuscular injection of 0.2 mg of vitamin K at birth. Hemorrhage in the infant from vitamin K deficiency should be a concern for pediatricians and obstetricians. We emphasize the importance of administering an adequate dosage of vitamin K for prevention of HDN, particularly in an exclusively breast-fed infant.