The neonatal coagulation system and the vitamin K deficiency bleeding – a mini review

Enteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants (2022): A Position Paper From the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition and Invited Experts

OBJECTIVES

To review the current literature and develop consensus conclusions and recommendations on nutrient intakes and nutritional practice in preterm infants with birthweight <1800 g.

METHODS

The European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee of Nutrition (CoN) led a process that included CoN members and invited experts. Invited experts with specific expertise were chosen to represent as broad a geographical spread as possible. A list of topics was developed, and individual leads were assigned to topics along with other members, who reviewed the current literature. A single face-to-face meeting was held in February 2020. Provisional conclusions and recommendations were developed between 2020 and 2021, and these were voted on electronically by all members of the working group between 2021 and 2022. Where >90% consensus was not achieved, online discussion meetings were held, along with further voting until agreement was reached.

RESULTS

In general, there is a lack of strong evidence for most nutrients and topics. The summary paper is supported by additional supplementary digital content that provide a fuller explanation of the literature and relevant physiology: introduction and overview; human milk reference data; intakes of water, protein, energy, lipid, carbohydrate, electrolytes, minerals, trace elements, water soluble vitamins, and fat soluble vitamins; feeding mode including mineral enteral feeding, feed advancement, management of gastric residuals, gastric tube placement and bolus or continuous feeding; growth; breastmilk buccal colostrum, donor human milk, and risks of cytomegalovirus infection; hydrolyzed protein and osmolality; supplemental bionutrients; and use of breastmilk fortifier.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide updated ESPGHAN CoN consensus-based conclusions and recommendations on nutrient intakes and nutritional management for preterm infants.

Use of Fresh-frozen Plasma in Newborn Infants

Nearly 10% of premature and critically ill infants receive fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions to reduce their high risk of bleeding. The authors have only limited data to identify relevant clinical predictors of bleeding and to evaluate the efficacy of FFP administration. There is still no consensus on the optimal use of FFP in infants who have abnormal coagulation parameters but are not having active bleeding. The aims of this review are to present current evidence derived from clinical studies focused on the use of FFP in neonatology and then use these data to propose best practice recommendations for the safety of neonates receiving FFP.

Prevalence and factors associated with vitamin K prophylaxis utilization among neonates in rural Ethiopia in 2016

BACKGROUND

Neonatal Mortality Ratio (NMR) could not be reversed sufficiently in Ethiopia in the last couple of years. Neonatal bleeding is one of the major causes of neonatal deaths. Administration of vitamin K prophylaxis at birth is the proven strategy to reduce neonatal death which can be caused by vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Although World Health Organization (WHO) recommends universal supplementation of vitamin K prophylaxis for all neonates at birth, many neonates could not get it in many resource poor countries. Despite its importance, information is scarce about uptake of vitamin K prophylaxis in Ethiopia in 2016. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prevalence and factors associated with vitamin K prophylaxis utilization among neonates in Ethiopia in 2016.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis of EDHS 2016 was done to assess prevalence and predictors of vitamin K prophylaxis among neonates in Ethiopia five years before EDHS 2016. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used in EDHS 2016. Sample weight and complex analysis were used to minimize bias. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with vitamin K prophylaxis. Finally, adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated and P-value less than 0.05 taken as the cuff of point for declaration of the statistical significant association.

RESULTS

Prevalence of vitamin K prophylaxis among neonates in Ethiopia in 2016 was found to be 4710(65.5%) in this study. Factors like: Institutional delivery (AOR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.8, 2.7), neonates from richest family (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.6, 2.7), neonates from richer household (AOR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.8), starting of antenatal care from 3-6 months of gestational age (AOR = 2.9, 95%CI: 2.3, 3.6) were factors positively associated with vitamin K prophylaxis in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Compared with expected world health organization recommendation of universal supplementation vitamin K prophylaxis, vitamin K utilization is lower among neonates in this study. Hence, it is recommended that strengthen early antenatal care initiation and improving community awareness about vitamin K prophylaxis are the key interventions to improve its uptake. Furthermore, improving institutional delivery might increase uptake of vitamin K prophylaxis.

Physicians’ Opinion and Practice of Vitamin K Administration at Birth in Romania

(1) Background. Vitamin K is recommended worldwide as a standard of care for the prophylaxis of vitamin-K-deficiency bleeding (VKDB). This is also a standard practice in Romania, but due to the rising number of refusals by parents of basic interventions in the neonatal period, we aimed to assess the Romanian neonatologists’ opinions and current practice regarding vitamin K administration at birth. (2) Methods. We designed and conducted an electronic survey addressed to 110 physicians working in Romanian hospitals. (3) Results. Half of respondents are accustomed to receiving refusals for vitamin K administration once or twice a year. When parents refuse vitamin K administration, they usually refuse other neonatal interventions, according to 90.9% of the responding physicians, and this situation has occurred more frequently during the last two years. The number of refusals and especially their increase are more frequent in level III hospitals (p = 0.0304, p = 0.0036, respectively). Only 22.7% of the physicians responded that they would recommend an oral preparation of vitamin K in the absence of intramuscular prophylaxis. (4) Conclusion. Efforts should be made to address parents’ concerns and to have available alternatives to the intramuscular administration of vitamin K.

Differential sialic acid content in adult and neonatal fibrinogen mediates differences in clot polymerization dynamics

Increased sialic acid in neonatal fibrinogen influences fibrin knob-hole interactions during polymerization.

Neonatal fibrin polymerization involves more B knob– and fewer A knob–mediated interactions compared with adults.

Neonates possess a molecular variant of fibrinogen, known as fetal fibrinogen, characterized by increased sialic acid, a greater negative charge, and decreased activity compared with adults. Despite these differences, adult fibrinogen is used for the treatment of bleeding in neonates, with mixed efficacy. To determine safe and efficacious bleeding protocols for neonates, more information on neonatal fibrin clot formation and the influence of sialic acid on these processes is needed. Here, we examine the influence of sialic acid on neonatal fibrin polymerization. We hypothesized that the increased sialic acid content of neonatal fibrinogen promotes fibrin B:b knob-hole interactions and consequently influences the structure and function of the neonatal fibrin matrix. We explored this hypothesis through analysis of structural properties and knob:hole polymerization dynamics of normal and desialylated neonatal fibrin networks and compared them with those formed with adult fibrinogen. We then characterized normal neonatal fibrin knob:hole interactions by forming neonatal and adult clots with either thrombin or snake-venom thrombin-like enzymes that preferentially cleave fibrinopeptide A or B. Sialic acid content of neonatal fibrinogen was determined to be a key determinant of resulting clot properties. Experiments analyzing knob:hole dynamics indicated that typical neonatal fibrin clots are formed with the release of more fibrinopeptide B and less fibrinopeptide A than adults. After the removal of sialic acid, fibrinopeptide release was roughly equivalent between adults and neonates, indicating the influence of sialic acid on fibrin neonatal fibrin polymerization mechanisms. These results could inform future studies developing neonatal-specific treatments of bleeding.

Coagulation parameters in the newborn and infant - the Copenhagen Baby Heart and COMPARE studies

OBJECTIVES

The coagulation system is not fully developed at birth and matures during the first months of infancy, complicating clinical decision making within hemostasis. This study evaluates coagulation parameters at birth and two months after birth, and tests whether cord blood can be used as a proxy for neonatal venous blood measurements.

METHODS

The Copenhagen Baby Heart Study (CBHS) and the COMPARE study comprise 13,237 cord blood samples and 444 parallel neonatal venous blood samples, with a two month follow-up in 362 children.

RESULTS

Because coagulation parameters differed according to gestational age (GA), all analyses were stratified by GA. For neonatal venous blood, reference intervals for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were 28-43 s and 33-61% for GA 37-39 and 24-38 s and 30-65% for GA 40-42. Reference intervals for international normalized ratio (INR) and thrombocyte count were 1.1-1.7 and 194-409 × 10⁹/L for GA 37-39 and 1.2-1.8 and 188-433 × 10⁹/L for GA 40-42. Correlation coefficients between umbilical cord and neonatal venous blood for APTT, PT, INR, and thrombocyte count were 0.68, 0.72, 0.69, and 0.77 respectively, and the distributions of the parameters did not differ between the two types of blood (all p-values>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes new GA dependent reference intervals for common coagulation parameters in newborns and suggests that cord blood may serve as a proxy for neonatal venous blood for these traits. Such data will likely improve clinical decision making within hemostasis among newborn and infant children.

Intracranial haemorrhage associated with Vitamin K deficiency in Egyptian infants

AIM

Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in infancy is a rare life-threatening event. The aim of this review is to highlight the association of ICH and potentially preventable vitamin K deficiency and to describe risk factors, presentation and outcome.

METHODS

Original published data on ICH related to vitamin K deficiency during 2008-2012 were extracted from records of participating centres in Egypt (Cairo and Delta region). Full data on 70 infants (0-24 weeks) have been reported in three publications.

RESULTS

The first study involved premature infants where ICH was potentially preventable with administration of parenteral vitamin K prophylactic doses to mothers ahead of imminent preterm delivery. The other 2 studies involved term newborns and infants. ICH due to early or classic vitamin K deficiency was reported in nine patients while 44 were due to late vitamin K deficiency. Main risk factors for late onset were exclusive breastfeeding, persistent diarrhoea and/or prolonged antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a relatively frequent problem underlying ICH in infancy. Prophylactic vitamin K to mothers when anticipating preterm labour or a vitamin K boost in exclusively breast-fed infants with prolonged antibiotic usage and, or, persistent diarrhoea might have an impact on prevention and outcome.

TEG® and ROTEM® Traces: Clinical Applications of Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitoring in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The concentration of the majority of hemostatic proteins differs considerably in early life, especially in neonates compared to adulthood. Knowledge of the concept of developmental hemostasis is an essential prerequisite for the proper interpretation of conventional coagulation tests (CCT) and is critical to ensure the optimal diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases in neonatal age. Viscoelastic tests (VETs) provide a point-of-care, real-time, global, and dynamic assessment of the mechanical properties of the coagulation system with the examination of both cellular and plasma protein contributions to the initiation, formation, and lysis of clots. In this work, we provide a narrative review of the basic principles of VETs and summarize current evidence regarding the two most studied point-of-care VETs, thromboelastography (TEG^®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM^®), in the field of neonatal care. A literature analysis shows that viscoelastic hemostatic monitoring appears to be a useful additive technique to CCT, allowing targeted therapy to be delivered quickly. These tools may allow researchers to determine the neonatal coagulation profile and detect neonatal patients at risk for postoperative bleeding, coagulation abnormalities in neonatal sepsis, and other bleeding events in a timely manner, guiding transfusion therapies using the goal-oriented transfusion algorithm. However, diagnosis and treatment algorithms incorporating VETs for neonatal patients in a variety of clinical situations should be developed and applied to improve clinical outcomes. Further studies should be performed to make routinary diagnostic and therapeutic application possible for the neonatal population.

The effects of bariatric surgery on periconception maternal health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age is increasing. Bariatric surgery is currently viewed as the most effective, long-term solution for this problem. Preconception bariatric surgery can reduce the prevalence of obesity-related subfertility and adverse maternal, pregnancy and birth outcomes. Maternal health during the periconception period is crucial for optimal gametogenesis and for embryonic and fetal development which also affects health in the later lives of both mother and offspring. Although preconception bariatric surgery improves several pregnancy outcomes, it can also increase the prevalence of pregnancy complications due to excessive and rapid weight loss. This can lead to iatrogenic malnutrition with vitamin deficiencies and derangements in metabolic and endocrine homeostasis. Thus, bariatric surgery can greatly influence periconception maternal health with consequences for reproduction, pregnancy and health in later life. However, its influence on periconception maternal health itself has never been reviewed systematically.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The aim of this review was to investigate associations between bariatric surgery and determinants of periconception maternal health such as endocrine changes, fertility, vitamin status, irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriages and congenital malformations.

SEARCH METHODS

Medline, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the Cochrane databases were used for the literature search until 1 November 2020. The search strategy terms included, among others, bariatric surgery, hormones, fertility, malformations, miscarriages and vitamin status. We searched for human studies that were written in English. Abstracts, reviews, meta-analyses and conference papers were excluded. The ErasmusAGE score was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

OUTCOMES

A total of 51 articles were analysed. The mean quality score was 5 (range 2-8). After bariatric surgery, hormonal axes normalized and menstrual cycle regularity was restored, resulting in increased fertility. Overall, there were no short-term risks for reproductive outcomes such as the increased risk of miscarriages or congenital malformations. However, the risk of vitamin deficiencies was generally increased after bariatric surgery. A meta-analysis of 20 studies showed a significant decrease in infertility (risk difference (RD) -0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.42, -0.05) and menstrual cycle irregularities (RD -0.24, 95% CI -0.34, -0.15) with no difference in rates of miscarriage (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.09, 0.10) and congenital malformations (RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.02, 0.03).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

The current systematic review and meta-analysis show associations between bariatric surgery and periconception maternal health and underlines the need for providing and personalizing preconception care for women after bariatric surgery. We recommend preconception care including the recommendation of postponing pregnancy until weight loss has stabilized, irrespective of the surgery-to-pregnancy interval, and until vitamin status is normalized. Therefore, regular monitoring of vitamin status and vitamin supplementation to restore deficiencies is recommended. Furthermore, this systematic review emphasizes the need for a long-term follow-up research of these women from the periconception period onwards as well as their pregnancies and offspring, to further improve care and outcomes of these mothers and children.

Hemostatic Challenges in Neonates

The neonatal hemostatic system is strikingly different from that of adults. Among other differences, neonates exhibit hyporeactive platelets and decreased levels of coagulation factors, the latter translating into prolonged clotting times (PT and PTT). Since pre-term neonates have a high incidence of bleeding, particularly intraventricular hemorrhages, neonatologists frequently administer blood products (i.e., platelets and FFP) to non-bleeding neonates with low platelet counts or prolonged clotting times in an attempt to overcome these "deficiencies" and reduce bleeding risk. However, it has become increasingly clear that both the platelet hyporeactivity as well as the decreased coagulation factor levels are effectively counteracted by other factors in neonatal blood that promote hemostasis (i.e., high levels of vWF, high hematocrit and MCV, reduced levels of natural anticoagulants), resulting in a well-balanced neonatal hemostatic system, perhaps slightly tilted toward a prothrombotic phenotype. While life-saving in the presence of active major bleeding, the administration of platelets and/or FFP to non-bleeding neonates based on laboratory tests has not only failed to decrease bleeding, but has been associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality in the case of platelets. In this review, we will present a clinical overview of bleeding in neonates (incidence, sites, risk factors), followed by a description of the key developmental differences between neonates and adults in primary and secondary hemostasis. Next, we will review the clinical tests available for the evaluation of bleeding neonates and their limitations in the context of the developmentally unique neonatal hemostatic system, and will discuss current and emerging approaches to more accurately predict, evaluate and treat bleeding in neonates.

Shear-Induced Platelet Activation is Sensitive to Age and Calcium Availability: A Comparison of Adult and Cord Blood

INTRODUCTION

Antiplatelet therapy for neonates and infants is often extrapolated from the adult experience, based on limited observation of agonist-induced neonatal platelet hypoactivity and poor understanding of flow shear-mediated platelet activation. Therefore, thrombotic events due to device-associated disturbed flow are inadequately mitigated in critically ill neonates with indwelling umbilical catheters and infants receiving cardiovascular implants.

METHODS

Whole blood (WB), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and gel-filtered platelets (GFP) were prepared from umbilical cord and adult blood, and exposed to biochemical agonists or pathological shear stress of 70 dyne/cm2. We evaluated α-granule release, phosphatidylserine (PS) scrambling, and procoagulant response using P-selectin expression, Annexin V binding, and thrombin generation (PAS), respectively. Activation modulation due to depletion of intracellular and extracellular calcium, requisite second messengers, was also examined.

RESULTS

Similar P-selectin expression was observed for sheared adult and cord platelets, with concordant inhibition due to intracellular and extracellular calcium depletion. Sheared cord platelet Annexin V binding and PAS activity was similar to adult values in GFP, but lower in PRP and WB. Annexin V on sheared cord platelets was calcium-independent, with PAS slightly reduced by intracellular calcium depletion.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased PS activity on purified sheared cord platelets suggest that their intrinsic function under pathological flow conditions is suppressed by cell-cell or plasmatic components. Although secretory functions of adult and cord platelets retain comparable calcium-dependence, PS exposure in sheared cord platelets is uniquely calcium-independent and distinct from adults. Identification of calcium-regulated developmental disparities in shear-mediated platelet function may provide novel targets for age-specific antiplatelet therapy.

Massive thrombosis in an infant with suspected nephrocalcinosis: case report and literature review

Introduction

Perinatal period is characterized by an increased risk of thrombosis due to low resources and limited compensatory capacity of the coagulation system in early stages of life.

Case report

We report a case of a second pregnancy female infant born at 39 weeks by caesarean section, due to pre-labor rupture of membranes, with body weight of 3,570 γ and Apgar score 10. The pregnancy was complicated by hypothyroidism, uterine myoma, urinary tract infections, and mother's appendectomy at 16 Hbd. At 3 months, the girl was admitted to our hospital due to kidney calcifications, which were incidentally found during ultrasound scan. In laboratory workup, no abnormalities in calcium and phosphate homeostasis were detected. However, in ultrasound scan, linear calcifications along pyramids were visualized in both kidneys. Due to atypical location of nephrocalcinosis, Doppler scan was performed, showing lack of visible blood flow from renal veins to inferior vena cava (IVC), with compensatory flow from renal veins to paravertebral plexuses, and IVC obliteration with a massive calcification in the hepatic section. Magnetic resonance confirmed obliteration of IVC and common iliac veins, segmental dilatation of IVC, and compensatory blood flow from kidneys and lower limbs to paravertebral plexuses. Clinical picture and formation of collateral circulation suggested intrauterine thrombosis. Congenital thrombophilia was excluded in laboratory examination.

Conclusions

The differential diagnosis of calcifications in renal parenchyma (nephrocalcinosis) should include renal vein thrombosis. Massive fetal and perinatal thrombosis can be asymptomatic due to high ability to form collateral circulation at the early stage of life.

Seasonal and meteorological associations of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in 1-month-old infants: assessment of Normotest values

: We aimed to determine the presence of seasonal and meteorological associations of the activity of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors to explain the seasonal variation in vitamin K deficiency-related bleeding. Seasonal and monthly changes in Normotest values in 1759 healthy 1-month-old infants were retrospectively accessed, and the impact of meteorological parameters on Normotest values was analyzed. Normotest values peaked in winter and were the lowest in summer, with statistically significant differences among the seasonal values (P < 0.001). Comparing monthly variations, the values peaked in January and were the lowest in August (P < 0.001). Only the average daily air temperature significantly correlated with the Normotest values on multiple linear regression (P < 0.001) and with low Normotest values on multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 1.023; P = 0.002). Seasonal and monthly variations in Normotest values were observed in 1-month-old infants, possibly due to fluctuations in daily air temperature.

Vitamin K as a Diet Supplement with Impact in Human Health: Current Evidence in Age-Related Diseases

Vitamin K health benefits have been recently widely shown to extend beyond blood homeostasis and implicated in chronic low-grade inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, dementia, cognitive impairment, mobility disability, and frailty. Novel and more efficient nutritional and therapeutic options are urgently needed to lower the burden and the associated health care costs of these age-related diseases. Naturally occurring vitamin K comprise the phylloquinone (vitamin K1), and a series of menaquinones broadly designated as vitamin K2 that differ in source, absorption rates, tissue distribution, bioavailability, and target activity. Although vitamin K1 and K2 sources are mainly dietary, consumer preference for diet supplements is growing, especially when derived from marine resources. The aim of this review is to update the reader regarding the specific contribution and effect of each K1 and K2 vitamers in human health, identify potential methods for its sustainable and cost-efficient production, and novel natural sources of vitamin K and formulations to improve absorption and bioavailability. This new information will contribute to foster the use of vitamin K as a health-promoting supplement, which meets the increasing consumer demand. Simultaneously, relevant information on the clinical context and direct health consequences of vitamin K deficiency focusing in aging and age-related diseases will be discussed.

von Willebrand factor/ADAMTS-13 interactions at birth: implications for thrombosis in the neonatal period

von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its cleaving protease ADAMTS-13 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) are essential components to hemostasis. These plasma proteins have also been implicated in a number of disease states, including those affecting children. The best described abnormality is the congenital form of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) resulting from germline mutations in the ADAMTS-13 gene. The VWF/ADAMTS-13 interaction has more recently emerged as a causative risk factor in the pathogenesis of pediatric stroke and secondary microangiopathies. There is now increasing interest and need to measure these coagulation factors during the neonatal period and throughout childhood. Methods adopted from a multitude of technically diverging studies have been used to understand their role during this period. To date, studies of VWF/ADAMTS-13 in this group of patients have reported conflicting results, which makes interpreting values in the clinical setting especially challenging. In this review we describe the historical evolution of the methodology used to measure VWF/ADAMTS-13 and how it may influence the results obtained during the first days of life. We review the individual assays used to analyze VWF/ADAMTS-13 as well as published reference values. Finally, we bring attention to the potential pathophysiologic role of VWF/ADAMTS-13 in neonatal thrombosis. This has significant implications because the pathologic processes that explain thrombosis in neonates remain poorly characterized and thromboembolism remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality, particularly in sick children.

[Coagulation function and hemorrhagic diseases in preterm infants with different gestational ages]

OBJECTIVE

To study the correlation between coagulation function and gestational age in preterm infants and the possible value of coagulation function measurement in predicting hemorrhagic diseases.

METHODS

The clinical data of preterm infants who were hospitalized between September 2016 and August 2017 were collected. The coagulation indicators were measured within 2 hours after birth. According to the gestational age, the preterm infants were divided into late preterm infant group (n=322), early preterm infant group (n=241) and extremely/very early preterm infant group (n=128). Coagulation function was compared among the three groups, as well as between the preterm infants with and without hemorrhagic diseases within 3 days after birth.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and D-dimer (DD) among the three groups (P<0.05). APTT, PT, FDP and DD were negatively correlated with gestational age, while TT was positively correlated with gestational age (P<0.05). The preterm infants with hemorrhagic diseases had a longer APTT and a higher level of DD (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulation function gradually becomes mature in preterm infants with the increase in gestational age. Abnormal APTT and DD indicate that preterm infants may have a higher risk of hemorrhagic diseases.

Factors Associated With Refusal of Intramuscular Vitamin K in Normal Newborns

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Refusal of intramuscular (IM) vitamin K administration by parents is an emerging problem. Our objective was to assess the frequency of and factors associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration in well newborns in the United States.

METHODS

We determined the number of newborns admitted to well newborn units whose parents refused IM vitamin K administration in the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns network and, in a nested patient-control study, identified factors associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration by using a multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Of 102 878 newborns from 35 Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns sites, parents of 638 (0.6%) refused IM vitamin K administration. Frequency of refusal at individual sites varied from 0% to 2.3%. Exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-5.5), non-Hispanic white race and/or ethnicity (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.4), female sex (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.3), gestational age (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1-1.4), and mother's age (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08) were significantly associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration. Refusal of the administration of both ocular prophylaxis and hepatitis B vaccine was also strongly associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration (aOR = 88.7; 95% CI: 50.4-151.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Refusal of IM vitamin K by parents of newborns is a significant problem. Interventions to minimize risks to these newborns are needed.

Systematic Development of Self-Nanoemulsifying Liquisolid Tablets to Improve the Dissolution and Oral Bioavailability of an Oily Drug, Vitamin K1

The purpose of this study is to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of an oily drug, vitamin K1 (VK1) by combination of self-nanoemulsifying and liquisolid technologies. The optimal liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) formulation including VK1 (oil), mixture of soybean lecithin and glycocholic acid (surfactant) and Transcutol HP (cosurfactant) was obtained according to ternary phase diagrams and a central composite design. Based on compatibility, adsorption capacity and dissolution profile, liquid SNEDDS was then solidified on Fujicalin^® to form solid SNEDDS by liquisolid technology and compressed directly with excipients into self-nanoemulsifying liquisolid (SNE-L) tablets. Uniform nano-emulsion suspension was formed rapidly when the SNE-L tablets disintegrated in dissolution media and higher drug dissolution was observed compared with the conventional tablets. The results of pharmacokinetic study in beagle dogs showed that the mean C_max and the area under the curve of SNE-L tablets were remarkably higher than those of conventional tablets, which were consistent with the results of the in vitro dissolution. The relative bioavailability of SNE-L tablets and conventional tablets was approximately 200%. In conclusion, this combination method showed promise to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of oily drug vitamin K1.

Delivery-associated presence of supramolecular fibronectin-fibrin complexes in puerperal and cord plasma

Objective: The variable fibronectin (FN) molecular forms are known to be engaged in coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways as well as tissue remodeling and repair processes. Some of them seem to be indispensable molecules within intensive biological processes associated with delivery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the FN molecular status in maternal and cord plasma after vaginal birth and cesarean section (C-section). Materials and methods: The study included nonpregnant women's plasma samples (n = 31) and puerperal and cord plasma samples collected from 49 mothers who delivered healthy newborns at term by vaginal birth (n = 25) and C-section (n = 24). The maternal and cord plasma FN concentrations and presence and relative ratios of different FN-fibrin complexes were determined by ELISA and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) -agarose immunoblotting, respectively. Results: FN concentration in puerperal plasma after vaginal birth (232.08 ± 71.8 mg/L) and C-section (228.17 ± 71.2 mg/L) was significantly higher than in the plasma of nonpregnant women (190.00 ± 48.75 mg/L). In contrast, FN concentration in cord plasma of the C-section group (101.95 ± 30.3 mg/L) was significantly lower than that of the vaginal birth group (121.80 ± 22.2 mg/L). Immunoblotting of puerperal and cord plasma distinguished the most abundant dimeric plasma FN form, the 220-280-kDa FN degradation products and 750-1900-kDa FN-fibrin complexes, which occurred more frequently and in higher amounts in puerperal and cord plasma groups than the nonpregnant women group, although independently of the mode of delivery. Conclusions: Occurrence and relative amount of delivery-associated FN-fibrin complexes in both puerperal and cord plasmas might be bound with the physiological adaptive mechanisms reducing the risk of hemorrhage and intensive remodeling and repair processes after delivery.

Comparison of the characteristics of retinal hemorrhages in abusive head trauma versus normal vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Retinal hemorrhage (RH) is one of the hallmarks of abusive head trauma (AHT); however, RH is also encountered with normal vaginal deliveries (NVD) and thus presents the clinician with a diagnostic dilemma. The purpose of this study was to compare RHs in AHT with those of NVD.

METHODS

Records of with AHT and NVD infants with RH evaluated from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Pattern, size, extent, and severity were compared using RetCam images. Severities were calculated using the RH grading scale.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients with AHT and 200 NVD infants were included. RH size was significantly larger in AHT patients compared to the NVD group (3.1 ± 0.512 vs 0.96 ± 0.046 disk diameters, resp.). The AHT group also demonstrated a higher RH incidence involving all three retinal layers compared to the NVD group (60% vs 0.6%, resp. [P < 0.001]). Vitreous hemorrhages were more common in the AHT group compared to the NVD group (54.3% vs 1.5% [P < 0.001]). Also, the grading scale demonstrated higher scores in the AHT group than the NVD group (7.15 ± 0.948 vs 3.59 ± 0.274, resp.).

CONCLUSIONS

AHT and NVD share similar retinal findings, but they also have unique differentiators. In our subjects, AHT presented with more severe retinal findings than NVD, including larger RH size, a higher percentage involving all three retinal layers, a higher percentage of vitreous hemorrhages, and higher RH grading scale scores. Also, NVD retinal hemorrhages resolved quickly, within 4 weeks of birth in 95% of the patients.

Thromboelastometry for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis-associated coagulopathy: an observational study

Our aim was to evaluate the potential role of standard extrinsically activated thromboelastometry (EXTEM) assay in the early detection of neonatal sepsis. We studied 91 hospitalized neonates categorized in two groups: group A included 35 neonates with confirmed sepsis, while group B included 56 neonates with suspected sepsis; 274 healthy neonates served as controls. Whenever sepsis was suspected, EXTEM assay was performed, Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE) and Tοllner score were calculated, and clinical findings and laboratory results were recorded. Septic neonates had significantly prolonged clotting time (CT) and clot formation time (CFT), and reduced maximum clot firmness (MCF), compared to neonates with suspected sepsis (p values 0.001, 0.001, and 0.009, respectively) or healthy neonates (p values 0.001, 0.001, and 0.021, respectively). EXTEM parameters (CT, CFT, MCF) demonstrated a more intense hypocoagulable profile in septic neonates with hemorrhagic diathesis than those without (p values 0.021, 0.007, and 0.033, respectively). In septic neonates, CFT was correlated with platelet count, SNAPPE, Tollner score, and day of full enteral feeding (p values 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A ROTEM hypocoagulable profile at admission seems promising for the early detection of sepsis in neonates while the degree of hypocoagulation may be associated with sepsis severity. What is Known: • The early phase of septicemia might be difficult to be recognized in neonates. In adult septic patients, the diagnostic and prognostic role of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) have been extensively investigated. • Limited data are available on the role of ROTEM as an indicator of early neonatal sepsis. What is New: • ROTEM measurements indicate an early appearance of hypocoagulability in neonatal sepsis, while the degree of hypocoagulation might be associated with severity of sepsis. • ROTEM could be a useful tool in the early detection of sepsis in neonates.

Cryopreserved neonatal hepatocytes may be a source for transplantation: Evaluation of functionality toward clinical use

Neonatal livers are a potential source of good-quality hepatocytes for clinical transplantation. We compared viability and function of neonatal hepatocytes (NHs) and adult hepatocytes (AHs) and report their clinical use both intraportally and in alginate microbeads. Following isolation from donor livers, hepatocyte function was assessed using albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and factor VII. Metabolic function was investigated by measuring resorufin conjugation, ammonia metabolism, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase enzyme activity, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) function following induction. Activation of the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction by NHs and AHs was investigated using an in vitro blood perfusion model, and tissue factor expression was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Clinical hepatocyte transplantation (HT) was undertaken using standard protocols. Hepatocytes were isolated from 14 neonatal livers, with an average viability of 89.4% ± 1.8% (mean ± standard error of the mean) and average yield of 9.3 × 10⁶ ± 2.0 × 10⁶ cells/g. Hepatocytes were isolated from 14 adult livers with an average viability of 78.6% ± 2.4% and yield 2.2 × 10⁶ ± 0.5 × 10⁵ cells/g. NHs had significantly higher viability after cryopreservation than AHs, with better attachment efficiency and less plasma membrane leakage. There were no differences in albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and factor VII synthesis between NHs and AHs (P > 0.05). Neonatal cells had inducible phase 1 enzymes as assessed by CYP function and functional phase 2 enzymes, in which activity was comparable to AHs. In an in vitro blood perfusion model, AHs elicited increased thrombus formation with a greater consumption of platelets and white cells compared with NHs (28.3 × 10⁹ versus 118.7 × 10⁹ and 3.3 × 10⁹ versus 6.6 × 10⁹ ; P < 0.01). Intraportal transplantation and intraperitoneal transplantation of alginate encapsulated hepatocytes was safe, and preliminary data suggest the cells may activate the immune response to a lesser degree than adult cells. In conclusion, we have shown NHs have excellent cell viability, function, and drug metabolism making them a suitable alternative source for clinical HT. Liver Transplantation 24 394-406 2018 AASLD.

Prophylactic vitamin K for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in preterm neonates

BACKGROUND

Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of coagulation factors. Term infants, especially those who are exclusively breast fed, are deficient in vitamin K and consequently may have vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Preterm infants are potentially at greater risk for VKDB because of delayed feeding and subsequent delay in the colonization of their gastrointestinal system with vitamin K producing microflora, as well as immature hepatic and hemostatic function.  OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of vitamin K prophylaxis in the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in preterm infants.

SEARCH METHODS

We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 11), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 5 December 2016), Embase (1980 to 5 December 2016), and CINAHL (1982 to 5 December 2016). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of any preparation of vitamin K given to preterm infants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We evaluated potential studies and extracted data in accordance with the recommendations of Cochrane Neonatal.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify any eligible studies that compared vitamin K to no treatment.One study compared intravenous (IV) to intramuscular (IM) administration of vitamin K and compared various dosages of vitamin K. Three different prophylactic regimes of vitamin K (0.5 mg IM, 0.2 mg vitamin K₁, or 0.2 mg IV) were given to infants less than 32 weeks' gestation. Given that only one small study met the inclusion criteria, we assessed the quality of the evidence for the outcomes evaluated as low.Intramuscular versus intravenousThere was no statistically significant difference in vitamin K levels in the 0.2 mg IV group when compared to the infants that received either 0.2 or 0.5 mg vitamin K IM (control) on day 5. By day 25, vitamin K₁ levels had declined in all of the groups, but infants who received 0.5 mg vitamin K IM had higher levels of vitamin K₁ than either the 0.2 mg IV group or the 0.2 mg IM group.Vitamin K₁ 2,3-epoxide (vitamin K₁O) levels in the infants that received 0.2 mg IV were not statistically different from those in the control group on day 5 or 25 of the study. All of the infants had normal or supraphysiologic levels of vitamin K₁ concentrations and either no detectable or insignificant amounts of prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA II).Dosage comparisonsDay 5 vitamin K₁ levels and vitamin K₁O levels were significantly lower in the 0.2 mg IM group when compared to the 0.5 mg IM group. On day 25, vitamin K₁O levels and vitamin K₁ levels in the 0.2 mg IM group and the 0.5 mg IM group were not significantly different. Presence of PIVKA II proteins in the 0.2 mg IM group versus the 0.5 mg IM group was not significantly different at day 5 or 25 of the study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Preterm infants have low levels of vitamin K and develop detectable PIVKA proteins during the first week of life. Despite being at risk for VKDB, there are no studies comparing vitamin K versus non-treatment and few studies that address potential dosing strategies for effective treatment. Dosage studies suggest that we are currently giving doses of vitamin K to preterm infants that lead to supraphysiologic levels. Because of current uncertainty, clinicians will have to extrapolate data from term infants to preterm infants. Since there is no available evidence that vitamin K is harmful or ineffective and since vitamin K is an inexpensive drug, it seems prudent to follow the recommendations of expert bodies and give vitamin K to preterm infants. However, further research on appropriate dose and route of administration is warranted.

Thromboelastography in term neonates

BACKGROUND

Thromboelastography (TEG) is utilized as a point-of-care test of coagulation function to improve evidence-based blood product replacement in adults. In contrast to standard indices of coagulation, TEG reflects the dynamic interactions among the elements involved in hemostasis, including fibrinolysis. Although normal adult values and various abnormalities have been characterized, normative values for term neonates have not been described. Studies of neonatal TEG remain limited and have small sample sizes with inconsistent methodology. The aim of this study is to provide normative data on healthy term neonates, and to assess the impact of mode of delivery on TEG parameters at term.

METHODS

Venous umbilical blood was obtained from the placenta within 10 min of delivery. TEG analysis of citrated kaolin-activated samples was performed for 50 healthy term vaginal and 50 cesarean deliveries. Samples collected for cesarean sections were from scheduled cases or unscheduled ones due to failure of progression of labor.

RESULTS

Healthy neonates with uncomplicated vaginal term deliveries resulted in the following TEG parameters: R: 5.41 ± 1.34 (mean ± SD) min; K: 1.62 ± 0.75 min; α-angle: 65.39 ± 8.77°; MA: 65.86 ± 5.81 mm; and LY30: 1.40 ± 1.18%. Results for the cesarean delivery neonatal TEG assays showed: R: 5.51 ± 1.74 (mean ± SD) min; K: 1.52 ± 0.47 min; α-angle: 64.15 ± 4.61°; MA: 64.15 ± 4.61 mm; and LY30: 2.44 ± 3.51%. Of note, no statistical differences were observed (p < .01) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

TEG measurements from term neonates were no different when the neonates were delivered vaginally or by cesarean section. Labor had no effect on neonatal TEG levels. Neonatal TEG values may therefore serve as insight for fetal values at the appropriate postconceptional age.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Leading to Severe Vitamin K Deficiency and Coagulopathy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is seldom associated with significant vitamin K deficiency. We report a case of a 16-year-old primigravid patient at 24 weeks and 3 days of gestation who presented with pruritus, hematuria, and preterm labor. Laboratory work-up showed severe coagulopathy with Prothrombin Time (PT) of 117.8 seconds, International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 10.34, and elevated transaminases suggestive of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Her serum vitamin K level was undetectable (<0.1 nMol/L). Initial therapy consisted of intramuscular replacement of vitamin K and administration of fresh frozen plasma. Her hematuria and preterm labor resolved and she was discharged. She presented in active labor and delivered at 27 weeks and 1 day. Her bile acids (93 μ/L) and INR (2.32) had worsened. She delivered a male infant, 1150 grams with Apgar scores 7 and 9. The newborn received 0.5 mg of intramuscular vitamin K shortly after delivery but went on to develop bilateral grade III intraventricular hemorrhages by day 5. Intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy and nutrition issues were identified as the main risk factors for the severe coagulopathy of this patient. This case underlines the importance of evaluation of possible severe coagulopathy in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in order to avoid serious maternal or fetal adverse outcomes.

[Intracranial hemorrhage secondary to vitamin K deficiency in an infant despite oral vitamin K prophylaxis : Also a challenge for the anesthesiologist]

This article presents the case of a 6-week-old infant who, despite oral vitamin K prophylaxis and otherwise normal developmental progress, suffered a severe intracerebral and subdural hemorrhage, which required surgical evacuation. The interdisciplinary approach is described with emphasis on the management of hemostasis. Furthermore, the clinical picture of intracranial bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency, which is nowadays rare in the Western World, is described in the anesthesiology literature for the first time. The usual recommendations regarding prophylaxis as well as certain risk factors are presented.

Refusal of Vitamin K by Parents of Newborns: A Survey of the Better Outcomes Through Research for Newborns Network

OBJECTIVE

To survey newborn clinicians in the United States regarding the frequency of intramuscular (IM) vitamin K refusal by a parent, reasons for refusal, and approaches of clinicians to refusals.

METHODS

An electronic survey was administered to the clinician site representative (nursery director or designee knowledgeable about site-specific nursery policies) at all newborn nurseries in the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns (BORN) network of newborn nurseries.

RESULTS

Of 92 BORN sites, 85 (92%) respondents completed the survey. Frequency of IM vitamin K refusal during the past 5 years was reported as increased by 52% of respondents, unchanged by 42%, and 6% did not know. Reported frequencies of refusal of IM vitamin K was weekly (9%), a few times a month (31%), once a month (13%), once every 3 to 4 months (20%), once or twice a year (26%), or never (1%). The overall distribution of the reported frequencies of refusal differed among regions in the United States (higher in the West and the South; P < .05). Reported reasons for refusal by parents included perceptions of parents that the injection was unnecessary, lack of knowledge about vitamin K deficiency bleeding, and concern about preservatives. Approaches to refusal included attempts to educate parents, enlisting support from community clinicians, a state mandate, and prescription of oral vitamin K.

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents from a national sample of newborn nursery clinicians reported an increase in refusal of IM vitamin K in the past 5 years with regional variation. Approaches to refusals need further investigation to determine effectiveness.

Recombinant Activated Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) Treatment in Very-Low-Birth-Weight (VLBW) Premature Infants with Acute Pulmonary Hemorrhage: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study

AIM

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous administration of recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) for acute pulmonary hemorrhage treatment in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was carried out retrospectively in premature infants with pulmonary hemorrhage that were ≤30 weeks gestational age or <1250 g birth weight. The data of all VLBW premature infants with pulmonary hemorrhage who were hospitalized in our neonatal intensive care unit between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 were evaluated. Group 1 (n = 21) received rFVIIa support within the first 30 min of pulmonary hemorrhage plus conventional treatment, while Group 2 (n = 21) received conventional treatment only.

RESULTS

The number of patients whose pulmonary hemorrhage was stopped within the first 2 h was significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (n = 14 vs n = 4; p = 0.002). After pulmonary hemorrhage, hemoglobin values of Group 1 were higher than Group 2 (11.12 ± 1.06 vs 10.14 ± 1.59 g/dL; p = 0.024). Erythrocyte suspension (1.43 ± 4.51 vs 5.71 ± 7.46 mL/kg; p = 0.030) and fresh frozen plasma use (5.71 ± 8.10 vs 19.52 ± 12.44 mL/kg; p < 0.001) in Group 1 were lower than those of Group 2. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio values in Group 1 were lower than those of Group 2 (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was identified in recurrence of pulmonary hemorrhage after 72 h, overall mortality, mortality from pulmonary hemorrhage, surfactant use, intubation time, hospitalization duration, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), severe IVH, patent ductus arteriosus rates, or short-term complication rates.

CONCLUSION

rFVIIa administration was observed to be effective in stopping pulmonary hemorrhage, reducing blood product requirement, and improving coagulation test parameters. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy, reliability, and long-term results of rFVIIa in the prevention and treatment of pulmonary hemorrhage in premature infants.

Seasonal variation in the international normalized ratio of neonates and its relationship with ambient temperature

Background

The morbidity and mortality rates due to cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction are known to exhibit seasonal variations. Moreover, changes in the ambient temperature are reportedly associated with an increase in these events, which may potentially involve blood coagulation markers. Bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency in neonates, which is associated with high mortality and a high frequency of neurological sequelae, is more commonly observed during the summer season and in warm regions in Japan. To determine the presence of seasonal variation and the influence of ambient temperature on blood coagulation markers in healthy term neonates, we assessed the international normalized ratio (INR) values measured using CoaguChek XS.

Methods

We studied 488 consecutive healthy term neonates who were born at a perinatal center between July 2012 and June 2013. The INR values were measured using CoaguChek XS in 4-day-old neonates who received nursing care in the newborn nursery throughout the duration of hospitalization. The seasonal variations in the INR values and environmental effects on the INR were assessed.

Results

The mean monthly INR values peaked in July (1.13 ± 0.08), whereas the lowest values were observed in January (1.05 ± 0.08). Higher levels of INR were observed during the summer season (June to August) than during the winter season (December to February). Simple linear regression analysis indicated the presence of weakly positive but significant correlations between INR and outdoor temperature (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), outdoor relative humidity (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and room relative humidity (r = 0.24, p < 0.001), and the presence of a significant negative correlation between INR and room temperature (r = −0.13, p = 0.02). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that only outdoor temperature significantly influenced the INR.

Conclusions

A seasonal variation in the INR values was observed among neonates, possibly due to the variation in ambient temperature. Even though the neonates received nursing care in the newborn nursery that was constantly air-conditioned, the outdoor temperature was the most influential factor on INR.

PIVKA-II correlates with INR but not protein C or protein S concentrations in cord blood among newborns

BACKGROUND

Protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA)-II, inactive precursor of prothrombin, is elevated in vitamin K (VK) deficiency. Our aims were to find the prevalence of VK deficiency in neonates, assess the utility of international normalized ratio (INR) as a screening tool, and explore the relationship between PIVKA-II, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and VK dependent anticoagulants.

METHODS

INR, aPTT, PIVKA-II, and proteins C and S activities were measured in neonatal cord blood prior to VK administration.

RESULTS

We found 45% of neonates had subclinical VK deficiency based on PIVKA-II levels and 7% based on INR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed the utility of INR in detecting >4 ng/mL of PIVKA-II and ROC of the area under the curve was 0.70 (95% CI 0.46-0.92, p = 0.07). Proteins C and S activities were normal for age and did not correlate with PIVKA-II [(r = 0.40, p = 0.14) and (r = 0.29, p = 0.29), respectively]. There was no association between aPTT and PIVKA-II (p = 0.83).

CONCLUSION

PIVKA-II seems to be a sensitive indicator of mild VK deficiency. Further studies are needed to investigate the lack of relationship between PIVKA-II and functional protein C or S levels.

Interpretation of clotting tests in the neonate

There are significant differences between the coagulation system in neonates compared with children and adults. Abnormalities of standard coagulation tests are common within the neonatal population. The laboratory tests of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were developed to investigate coagulation factor deficiencies in patients with a known bleeding history, and their significance and applied clinical value in predicting bleeding (or thrombotic) risk in critically ill patients is weak. Routine screening of coagulation on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit leads to increased use of plasma for transfusion. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a human donor plasma frozen within a short specified time period after collection (often 8 h) and then stored at -30°C. FFP has little effect on correcting abnormal coagulation tests when mild and moderate abnormalities of PT are documented in neonates. There is little evidence of effectiveness of FFP in neonates. A large trial by the Northern Neonatal Nursing Initiative assessed the use of prophylactic FFP in preterm infants and reported no improvement in clinical outcomes in terms of mortality or severe disability. An appropriate FFP transfusion strategy in neonates should be one that emphasises the therapeutic use in the face of bleeding rather than prophylactic use in association with abnormalities of standard coagulation tests that have very limited predictive value for bleeding.

Hemostatic profile in healthy premature neonates; does birth weight affect the coagulation profile?

Context:

There are limited studies assessing the neonatal hemostatic factors in relation to birth weight.

Aims:

This study aims to compare the coagulation factors between three groups of neonates with different birth weight for gestational age (GA).

Settings and Design:

In a cross-sectional study, 74 healthy premature neonates were involved.

Subjects and Methods:

Serum prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin clotting time (TT), and levels of fibrinogen, anti-thrombin III, protein S and protein C were measured. Neonates were classified into three groups according to birth weight, including small, appropriate and large for gestational age (SGA, AGA, and LGA).

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the levels of protein S (P < 0.001), protein C (P = 0.004), and values of APTT (P = 0.01) between three groups. Other coagulation factors however, did not represent a significant pattern (P > 0.05). Protein S concentration, directly (B = 0.78, P < 0.001), and APTT, inversely (B = −0.29, P = 0.03), associated with birth weight after adjustment for GA and sex.

Conclusions:

Despite the decrease in APTT from SGA to AGA, and LGA neonates, levels of protein S increases directly with birth weight. However, no other coagulation factors revealed an explainable pattern in relation to the state of SGA, AGA, or LGA.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding: a case study

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), formerly known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), is a bleeding disorder in neonates that is caused by inadequate serum levels of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a nutrient essential for adequate function of the coagulation cascade. Certain internal and external factors place newborn infants at higher risk for VKDB. Therefore, vitamin K prophylaxis has become the standard of care for newborns. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the administration of vitamin K to newborns, some parents are choosing to withhold vitamin K administration at birth. This case study describes an infant who developed VKDB in the absence of vitamin K prophylaxis. Although parents ultimately have the right to choose whether or not to administer vitamin K, as healthcare professionals, it is important to provide education regarding the potential complications of withholding vitamin K and the signs of VKDB if vitamin K prophylaxis at birth is withheld.

Intracranial hemorrhage associated with vitamin K-deficiency bleeding in patients with biliary atresia: focus on long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prophylactic oral administration of vitamin K to newborns has markedly reduced the incidence of vitamin K deficiency (VKD); however, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is still one of the complications found in biliary atresia (BA) patients and is associated with VKD bleeding. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence and long-term outcome of ICH in patients with BA who previously received prophylactic vitamin K during the neonatal period.

METHODS

Eighty-eight consecutive infants with BA were treated and followed up at Kyushu University Hospital from 1979 to 2009. The clinical records and imaging study results were retrospectively reviewed in the infants with BA who presented with ICH.

RESULTS

ICH occurred in 7.95% of patients with BA. The onset of ICH occurred at 47 to 76 days after birth, before the patients underwent surgery for BA (9-37 days after the onset of ICH). Coagulopathy was found upon admission in all of the cases with available data and improved after intravenous administration of vitamin K. A craniotomy was required in 2 cases before the surgery for BA. During the 22 to 278 months of follow-up, some neurologic sequelae persisted in 5 of 7 cases. Follow-up head computed tomography scans showed a low-density area in the left hemisphere in 5 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Although vitamin K prophylaxis had been given during the neonatal period, ICH-associated VKD bleeding was still found in 7.95% of patients with BA. Persistent neurologic sequelae were found in 5 of 7 cases, with low-density area in the left hemisphere.

Delayed onset seizures after inguinal herniotomy in a premature infant: a case report

We report a case of a premature neonate born at 34 weeks and operated at 6 weeks of age developing unexplained seizures 10 hours after the end of surgery under single shot caudal epidural analgesia with bupivacaine and lidocaine combined with general anesthesia.

Surgical evacuation of neonatal intracranial hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency bleeding

OBJECT

Although the incidence of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in neonates has dramatically decreased in the developed world since the adoption of routine vitamin K prophylaxis, in developing countries the incidence is still high. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most dangerous complication. Early recognition and management are important to decrease the mortality rate and neurological sequelae. The authors conducted a prospective study between January 2008 and June 2010. They included all full-term neonates referred to the Department of Neurosurgery at Mansoura University Children's Hospital with ICH complicating VKDB and necessitating surgical evacuation. The objective was to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, hospital course, and outcome of ICH in full-term neonates with VKDB after surgical evacuation.

METHODS

Thirty-two neonates with ICH due to VKDB were included. Diagnosis and classification of ICH were based on detailed history, physical examination, and the interpretation of CT or MR imaging studies. The diagnosis of VKDB was based on pretreatment coagulation studies (prothrombin time [PT] and partial thromboplastin time [PTT]), which are grossly abnormal, together with a normal platelet count and correction of coagulation results to normal after vitamin K administration.

RESULTS

The mean age (± SD) at onset of symptoms was 20.4 ± 4.9 days. Two neonates (6.25%) had early VKDB, 7 (21.9%) had classic VKDB, and 23 (71.9%) had late VKDB. The most common neurological manifestations included focal seizures, disturbed consciousness level, and tense anterior fontanel. The most common general manifestations included pallor, respiratory distress, and bleeding from other sites. Radiological findings varied from acute subdural hemorrhage (SDH) in 18 cases (56.3%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 10 (31.3%), and acute SDH with underlying intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage in 4 (12.5%). Before administration of vitamin K, the PT was 72.1 ± 45.0 seconds and the PTT was 112.4 ± 57.6 seconds. Six to 12 hours after administration of vitamin K, the PT was 14.6 ± 1.6 seconds and the PTT was 34.4 ± 1.0 seconds. All patients underwent surgery for evacuation of the ICH after correction of PT, prothrombin activity, and international normalized ratio. Evacuation of the ICH was done by either free or osteoblastic bone flap. Six patients (18.8%) died, and the other 26 patients had variable degrees of morbidity during the follow-up period (3-24 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding, especially the late-onset form, is an important cause of neonatal ICH. In the present study, the most frequent form of ICH in neonates was SDH. Focal seizures, disturbed consciousness level, tense anterior fontanel, unexplained anemia, and respiratory distress were the major presenting signs. Despite early surgical evacuation, these cases are associated with high mortality rate and neurological disabilities. Vitamin K prophylaxis at birth may reduce these severe complications.

Life-threatening intracranial bleeding in a newborn with congenital cytomegalovirus infection: late-onset neonatal hemorrhagic disease

The authors present a case of a 36-day-old infant with intracranial and intramuscular hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency bleeding, who received intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis at birth. In this case, laboratory tests showed anemia, liver dysfunction with cholestasis, and coagulopathy, consistent with vitamin K deficiency abnormality. Serological analyses showed that cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG avidity were both positive. The infant was treated successfully with intravenous ganciclovir and blood products. This case suggests that it is imperative to meticulously investigate the etiology in neonates with late-onset hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Cholestatic liver disease caused by congenital cytomegalovirus infection should be in mind in term infants who presented with late-onset hemorrhagic disease.

Neonatal arterial iliac thrombosis in type-I protein C deficiency: a case report

A male infant born by caesarean section at 38 weeks of gestational age (B.W. 4055 g; Apgar 9-10), in the first two hours of life his right leg became hypo-vascularized. Normal values of leukocytes, red cells, haematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets. C-Reactive Protein negative. Electrolytes and coagulation tests were normal. Normal vitamin K coagulation proteins levels. Serological tests for TORCH (IgM) and Parvovirus (IgG and IgM) were negative. Sonography showed a reduced blood flow in the iliac artery and reported a 1 cm long vessel thrombosis. From 8 hours of life we administered an intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin (UFH) 75 UI/Kg for the first 10 minutes then 28 UI/Kg/h.On the 2nd day tests were performed to assess absence of inhibiting-clot factors. The dosage of homocysteine, protein S and antithrombin was normal. FV Leiden and antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. The mapping of G20210A prothrombin's gene resulted normal, whereas the concentration of Protein C was lower than normal: activity 46% (68-150%), antigen 35% (70-150%).The same deficiency was also found in the father. The mother showed normal concentrations. No episodes of thrombosis events were documented in the family. The intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) therapy was replaced after 64 hours by subcutaneous nadroparin 600 UI twice/day, which was stopped 5 days later when the vessel sonographic images were completely normal. During the hospitalization the infant didn't show bleeding. The child was followed-up yearly until 4 years of age: he was well and had a normal body and mental development.The final diagnosis is likely to be of a permanent protein C deficiency in heterozygous form. Our case is interesting because the first manifestation was an important thrombosis of large vessel that occurred within a few hours of life in absence of perinatal risk factors, as if it was a homozygous disease, but the patient had a heterozygotic form. In literature few cases are reported of heterozygous forms that became symptomatic, but only in old age.After a severe first manifestation, a normal and asymptomatic development is uncommon without new thrombotic episodes. In our patient the neonatal thrombosis was the sole event in his life.