Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding after intramuscular prophylaxis at birth: a case report

J Perinatol. 2009 Feb;29(2):168-9. doi: 10.1038/jp.2008.131.

Abstract

We report the case of a 6-week-old female who presented an intracranial hemorrhage due to late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). No other evident bleeding sites were present at the moment of diagnosis. Intramuscular vitamin K (1 mg) was administered at birth. She was exclusively breast-fed. No other risk factors for VKDB were detected. Low levels of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors and their normalization after vitamin K administration confirmed the diagnosis of late VKDB. The present case suggests potential risks related to a single dose of intramuscular vitamin K at birth.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin K / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / complications*

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Vitamin K