Vitamin K administration in neonates: survey of compliance with recommended practices in the Dunedin area.
OBJECTIVE
A three dose oral regimen for vitamin K prophylaxis was introduced as an alternative to a single intramuscular injection in August 1992. An assessment of the acceptance of this regimen was needed to determine if the risk of developing haemorrhagic disease of the newborn had altered.


METHODS
A survey of compliance with the recommendations was made using a telephone questionnaire to 179 parents.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty three breast fed infants received oral vitamin K. Repeated doses were given to 133 (97%) of 138 breast fed infants at 1 week and 115 (94%) of 122 breast fed infants at 6 weeks. Twenty three of the infants were given the third dose of vitamin K later than recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the majority of infants received all three recommended doses, a quarter of infants given oral prophylaxis are at an increased risk of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn in our sample population.
Doran
O
O
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Otago Medical School, Dunedin.
Austin
N C
NC
Taylor
B J
BJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000592:standards; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009520:New Zealand; D010290:Parents; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006475:Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014812:Vitamin K