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Thromb Haemost 1980; 44(03): 159-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1650109
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Evidence against Vitamin K Deficiency in Normal Neonates

R G Malia
The University Department of Haematology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England
,
F E Preston
The University Department of Haematology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England
,
V E Mitchell
The University Department of Haematology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 28 July 1980

Accepted 13 October 1980

Publication Date:
13 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Umbilical cord plasmas from 24 normal full-term neonates were studied. We confirmed the prolonged prothrombin time and low levels of Vitamin K dependent clotting factors previously described (1), but using a number of recently developed immunological and coagulation techniques we could find no evidence of vitamin K deficiency. We conclude that the decreased levels of vitamin K dependent clotting factors of normal neonates are the result of decreased synthesis by the immature liver and that it is questionable whether vitamin K prophylaxis is necessary for these infants.

Key words

Neonates - Clotting factors - Vitamin K
 

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