Children who are deficient in vitamin K are at high risk of brain hemorrhage.
Infants deficient in vitamin K are highly susceptible to brain hemorrhage, which can even be fatal. These cases can be avoided if infants are vaccinated immediately after birth.
Severe brain damage due to vitamin K deficiency.
The Pediatrics Department of Bach Mai Hospital recently conducted an online pediatric consultation with satellite hospitals to address difficult cases. Of particular note was the case of a 41-day-old infant suffering from severe cerebral hemorrhage due to not receiving a vitamin K injection after birth. The patient is Lo Van Phu, from Tong Co commune, Thuan Chau district, Son La province.
According to the child's family, one month after birth, Phu showed signs of refusing to breastfeed and screaming in fits. He was rushed to the emergency room at Son La General Hospital. Upon admission, Phu was lethargic, with bluish lips, pale skin, pale mucous membranes, a bulging fontanelle, and a stiff neck.
Brain damage images on CT scans
Immediately, the doctors prescribed specific medication and conducted several necessary tests, including a CT scan of the brain. The results showed spontaneous hyperdense blood lesions in the bilateral occipital (subdural), cerebellar falx, and superior sagittal sinus. The midline was symmetrical and not compressed, and the fissures, gyri, and ventricular system showed no abnormalities. After consultation, it was concluded that the child had intracerebral-meningeal hemorrhage due to decreased prothrombin levels.
After 8 days of intensive treatment, the child's health improved significantly. The child was breathing regularly, had pink lips, was able to feed independently, the fontanelle was not bulging, there was no focal paralysis, and no seizures. The child has now recovered and has been discharged from the hospital. Doctors say this is one of many cases of cerebral hemorrhage caused by mothers giving birth at home without receiving vitamin K injections after delivery, which have been successfully treated at the hospital. Currently, there is another child in a similar condition receiving emergency treatment at the hospital.
Vitamin K injection is mandatory immediately after birth.
During an online consultation regarding this case, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that vitamin K is a crucial component involved in the blood clotting process, specifically necessary for the formation of prothrombin in the liver. In newborns, vitamin K helps prevent and treat bleeding, preventing anemia and hemorrhagic disorders.
According to a 2004 study, the incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in children due to vitamin K deficiency was 142 children per 100,000 unvaccinated children in remote mountainous areas and 81 children per 100,000 unvaccinated children in lowland areas. Children with vitamin K deficiency are highly susceptible to cerebral and meningeal hemorrhage, with a high mortality rate.
Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency in young children often appear very early, from the first week after birth to 3 months of age, especially with cerebral hemorrhage. Children with this condition often refuse to feed, become fussy, vomit, have pale skin, lethargic seizures, and fall into a coma. Even with timely emergency treatment, severe sequelae can remain because meningeal hemorrhage damages the brain and affects the nervous system. Common sequelae include epilepsy, motor paralysis, intellectual disability, and hydrocephalus, leading to lifelong disability.
Therefore, experts recommend that a single intramuscular injection of vitamin K is necessary for newborns to prevent brain hemorrhage and reduce unnecessary sequelae. Pregnant women can prevent vitamin K deficiency by eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin K such as green vegetables, cereals, milk, eggs, lean pork, beef, etc.
According to Health & Life - NT
