Vitamin K to Alleviate HDN Symptoms

Clinical Study Title:
Late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Plain English Summary:

There are many diseases seen in infancy that when examined have no apparent root or cause. Late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) is one of these diseases. There has been some association of deficiency of vitamin K and the development HDN. This study examined HDN in 15 infants who had no apparent cause for the disease. Most of these babies had normal births, but did not have a vitamin K supplementation when born. Many of the babies exhibited convulsions, feeding difficulties, full fontanel, and lessened reflexes. HDN also causes severe hemorrhaging, as its name suggests. The use of a vitamin K supplement helped to correct some of these symptoms, and helped to improve functioning. Vitamin K supplementation for infants can help to alleviate HDN symptoms.

Authors:
Bor O. Akgun N. Yakut A. Sarhus F. Kose S.

Institution:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Osmangazi, Eskisehir, Turkey.

Country of Publication:
Australia

Source:
Pediatrics International. 42(1):64-6, 2000 Feb.