Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2018 | Case report
Vitamin K deficiency: a case report and review of current guidelines
Authors:
Maria Rosaria Marchili, Elisa Santoro, Alessandra Marchesi, Simona Bianchi, Lelia Rotondi Aufiero, Alberto Villani
Published in:
Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|
Issue 1/2018
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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.