Vitamin K deficiency hemorrhage: importance of prophylaxis. Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: In newborns, there are multifactorial causes that contribute to vitamin K deficiency, such as low hepatic reserves, low concentration in breast milk, immature intestinal flora. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding manifests with bleeding in various systems of the newborn or infant, occurring from the first hours of birth up to the sixth month. Case Report: Male neonate born at 38,5 weeks, delivered vaginally. He was transferred to a Health Subcenter, presenting bloody stools since 29 hours of life, occurring five times, leading to hemorrhagic shock with hemodynamic and respiratory decompensation. Evolution: Transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, receiving respiratory and hemodynamic support with crystalloid. Showed severe acute anemia and prolonged prothrombin time, which was compensated with blood product transfusion and administration of Phytonadione. Conclusions: Intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis effectively prevents this pathology.