Vitamin K deficiency: a case report and review of current guidelines

Ital J Pediatr. 2018 Mar 14;44(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s13052-018-0474-0.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin K, a fat soluble vitamin, is a necessary cofactor for the activation of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X, and protein C and S. In neonatal period, vitamin K deficiency may lead to Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).

Case presentation: We present the case of a 2 months and 20 days Caucasian male, presented for bleeding from the injections sites of vaccines. At birth oral vitamin K prophylaxis was administered. Neonatal period was normal. He was exclusively breastfed and received a daily oral supplementation with 25 μg of vitamin K. A late onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding was suspected. Intravenous Vitamin K was administered with complete recovery.

Conclusions: Nevertheless the oral prophylaxis, our case developed a VKDB: it is necessary to revise the current guidelines in order to standardize timing and dosage in different clinical conditions.

Keywords: Bleeding; Breastfeeding; Case report; Deficiency; Vitamin K.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Vitamin K / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Vitamin K