Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of factors II, VII, IX and X in the liver. Vitamin K deficie ncy in the newborn usually results in hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Late HDN, an important cause of morbidity and mortality is particularly associated with intracranial hemorrhage. We present here 8 infants hospitalized for intracranial bleeding due to late HDN in a 19 month’s period. We suggest that breastfed infants take oral vitamin K weekly until the end of third month even if they are administered vitamin K after delivery.
Key words: Vitamin K, Late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, Intr acranial hemorrhagia, Prophylaxis.
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