Vitamin K status of preterm infants with a prolonged prothrombin time

Paul Clarke, Simon J. Mitchell, Shanmuga Sundaram, Vibha Sharma, Robert Wynn, Martin J. Shearer

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12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the vitamin K status of preterm infants who have a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) in the first month of life. Methods: Measures of vitamin K status were assessed in 21 preterm infants who were found to have an abnormal PT, despite 0.2-0.5 mg vitamin K1 prophylaxis at birth. Results: All infants had normal or supraphysiological vitamin K1 concentrations and undetectable or, in one infant, insignificant PIVKA-II, indicating adequate vitamin K status. Conclusion: In preterm infants born at < 32 wk gestation who received ≥ 0.2 mg vitamin K1 after delivery, a prolonged PT in the first month of life is unlikely to be due to vitamin K deficiency.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1822-1824
Number of pages3
JournalActa Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
Volume94
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Phylloquinone
  • PIVKA-II
  • Premature

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