Evaluation of vitamin K deficiency in children with acute and intractable diarrhea


BAY A., Oner A. F., CELEBI V., UNER A.

ADVANCES IN THERAPY, vol.23, no.3, pp.469-474, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/bf02850168
  • Journal Name: ADVANCES IN THERAPY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.469-474
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine the frequency of vitamin K deficiency and to assess its effects on bleeding in patients with acute and intractable diarrhea. A total of 90 children with diarrhea and 30 healthy children (group Q were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the duration of diarrhea. Complete blood count; prothrombin time (PT); activated prothrombin time (APTT); Factors ii, VII, IX, and X; and protein C levels were studied in all patients. A total of 3 mg of vitamin K was administrated to patients with prolonged PT and/or APTT. Coagulation parameters were restudied 8 to 12 h after vitamin K was administered. Mean age, sex, weight, and breastfeeding percentage, as well as history of fever and vitamin K administration at birth, were similar in the 2 groups. The duration of antibiotic administration in group B (intractable diarrhea) was significantly longer than that in group A (acute diarrhea). Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was observed in 3 (4.9%) infants in group A and 6 (20.7%) in group B (P <.05). The duration of diarrhea was significantly longer in infants with GI bleeding. Intracranial bleeding occurred in I infant with intractable diarrhea. Prolonged PT levels were noted in groups A and B. Significant improvement in PT and APTT and an increase in coagulation factors were observed after vitamin K had been administered. Investigators in this study conclude that coagulation parameters can be improved by the administration of vitamin K to children with deranged PT and APTT and diarrheal illness.