[Vitamin K for newborn infants: why and how?].
Several publications during the past 10-15 years report on the identification of acarboxyprothrombin (PIVKA II) in a varying proportion of examined newborn and babies (1.9 to 81.5%). These findings prove that the relevant infants were suffering from vitamin K deficiency. Hence, the researchers recommend to continue the prophylactic administration of Vitamin K to newborn. Another argument in favour of vitamin K prophylaxis is supplied by the results of epidemiological studies on the frequency of haemorrhages in newborn and babies caused by vitamin K deficiency. In respect of avoidance of haemorrhages, a single intramuscular injection of vitamin K appears to be the safest mode of application, but repeated peroral administration seems to be practically equally effective. The very frequently performed intramuscular injection of vitamin K is criticised not only because of possible local complications but also because of the greatly enhanced vitamin K concentrations in the blood after the injection. This enhanced concentration is accused of being responsible for the increased risk of malignant tumour growth in those babies who received vitamin K via the i.m. route, compared with the children who had not been given any injection or to whom vitamin K had been administered orally. For this reason vitamin K prophylaxis should be effected in newborn via the oral route (repeated administration), whereas the i.m. route should be an exception. Recommendations to this effect are already on record.
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Kinderklinik der Thüringen-Klinik Georgius Agricola Saalfeld gGmbH.
D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006474:Hemorrhagic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D014813:Vitamin K Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014812:Vitamin K
Vitamin K für Neugeborene: Warum und wie?