Comparison of the effect of oral multiple dose with single intramuscular vitamin K1 administration on prothrombin time in term baby

Abstract

Background Vitamin K deficiency can cause bleeding disorders in healthy breastfed infants. The efficacy of newborn intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis for the prevention of this bleeding problem has been well established, but this is an invasive procedure. Oral vitamin K prophylaxis is more effective, less expensive, and less traumatic than intramuscular administration. Objective To compare prothrombin time (PT) after the administration of oral multiple dose vitamin K1 with that after an intramuscular preparation. Methods Infants were randomised at birth into the intramuscular (IM) group (1 mg vitamin K1) and the oral group (2 mg given at birth and repeated at day 3). PT was monitored before and after the administration of vitamin K1. Results Thirty six of 70 infants received oral vitamin K1. Mean PT (SO) before vitamin K1 administration was 36.34 (SO 20.03) seconds in oral group and 31.96 (SO 25.51) seconds in IM group, PT changes after vitamin K1 administration were 16.29 (SO 15.46) seconds in oral group and 11.58 (SO 10.62) seconds in IM group, it did not differ significantly (P=0.203). Conclusion Prothrombin time changes are not significantly different between oral vitamin K1 and IM group.

Keywords

• prothrombin time
• vitamin K1
• oral
• intramuscular
• term baby