Fatal intracerebral hemorrhage resulting from vitamin K deficiency in a 9-week-old infant

Abstract

Intracranial hemorrhages in infants are rare but life-threatening events. Apart from vascular malformations, metabolic disorders and coagulopathies, nonaccidental trauma, in particular shaken baby syndrome must be taken into consideration. Clinical diagnostic tests and procedures to further evaluate the etiology of the hemorrhage include sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as imaging procedures as well as fundoscopy and laboratory tests, especially with respect to coagulation parameters. Fat-soluble vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation. A differentiation is made between classical and delayed hemorrhages due to vitamin K deficiency. In order to avoid an increased recurrence of bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency in neonates and young infants, an adequate clarification for the parents is necessary. A refusal of prophylaxis seems to be the result of an ideologically founded rejection of classical medicine and an increasing phenomenon in affluent industrial countries.