부산대학교 도서관

Aim: Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in infancy is a rare life‐threatening event. The aim of this review is to highlight the association of ICH and potentially preventable vitamin K deficiency and to describe risk factors, presentation and outcome. Methods: Original published data on ICH related to vitamin K deficiency during 2008–2012 were extracted from records of participating centres in Egypt (Cairo and Delta region). Full data on 70 infants (0–24 weeks) have been reported in three publications. Results: The first study involved premature infants where ICH was potentially preventable with administration of parenteral vitamin K prophylactic doses to mothers ahead of imminent preterm delivery. The other 2 studies involved term newborns and infants. ICH due to early or classic vitamin K deficiency was reported in nine patients while 44 were due to late vitamin K deficiency. Main risk factors for late onset were exclusive breastfeeding, persistent diarrhoea and/or prolonged antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a relatively frequent problem underlying ICH in infancy. Prophylactic vitamin K to mothers when anticipating preterm labour or a vitamin K boost in exclusively breast‐fed infants with prolonged antibiotic usage and, or, persistent diarrhoea might have an impact on prevention and outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]