A prospective analysis of serum vitamin K in severely burned pediatric patients.
Patients with burn injuries exhibit multiple risk factors for the development of vitamin K deficiency, including malabsorption, limited enteral intake, antibiotic therapy, and multiple surgical procedures. A prospective evaluation of 48 children was conducted to evaluate serum vitamin K values during the first 4 postburn weeks. Serum levels were analyzed in relation to clinical course. Days of antibiotic (p < 0.02) and albumin therapy (p < 0.003), percentage body surface area excised (p < 0.006), and the administration of blood products (p < 0.05) were significantly correlated with serum vitamin K levels, and days of diarrhea approached statistical significance (p < 0.06). No relationship was found between serum values and prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, or serum albumin. Ninety-one percent of the children demonstrated serum values below expected norms. These data suggest a relationship between coagulopathy and an intact functioning gastrointestinal tract. However, the relative importance of dietary versus endogenous vitamin K produced by intestinal bacteria remains to be elucidated.
Jenkins
M E
ME
Shriners Burns Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Gottschlich
M M
MM
Kopcha
R
R
Khoury
J
J
Warden
G D
GD
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002056:Burns / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D018529:Nutritional Support; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000097:blood*; D010837:Vitamin K 1 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014813:Vitamin K Deficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014812:Vitamin K; D010837:Vitamin K 1