Vitamin K and childhood cancer: a report from the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study

Uptake of intra-muscular vitamin K administration after birth: A national cohort study

AIM

A long-acting monoclonal antibody against RSV (nirsevimab), given as an injection shortly after birth, is currently being rolled out globally. Carer acceptance of intra-muscular (IM) vitamin K, another injection given shortly after birth, could serve to indicate the acceptability of nirsevimab.

METHODS

We analysed a national dataset of postnatal health visitor visits in Scotland; individual-level data on gestation were not available. The primary outcome measure was the modality of administration of vitamin K; potential explanatory variables were maternal age, infant ethnicity, English as a first language, and measures of socio-economic deprivation. We examined associations between IM vitamin K administration or oral/no vitamin K and each explanatory variable.

RESULTS

From 2019 to 2021, questionnaires were available for 142 857 infants; data was missing for 2.7%. IM Vitamin K uptake was high: 95.5% of carers consented, with 1.1% requesting oral vitamin K and 0.9% refusing vitamin K altogether. Infant ethnicity, use of English as a first language, socio-economic status and maternal age were not associated with reduced uptake of IM vitamin K.

CONCLUSION

If IM Vitamin K administration is a valid proxy measure for nirsevimab acceptance, we did not identify groups that might require increased engagement prior to nirsevimab roll-out.

Early Life Nutrition Factors and Risk of Acute Leukemia in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute leukemia commonly occurs in young children with peak incidence at the age of 2-5 years. However, the etiology is still unclear and many preventable risk factors still deserve to be reviewed. The focus of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence concerning early life nourishment (breastfeeding, early life diet), neonatal vitamin K administration and the risk of acute leukemia. All epidemiological studies published up to June 2023 and assessing diet-related risk factors for childhood acute leukemia were identified in two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science), with no limits on publication year or language. A total of 38 studies (37 case-control studies and 1 study with pooled analysis) were included. The published risk estimates were combined into a meta-analysis using the Generic Inverse Variance method. The current evidence shows that breastfeeding (yes vs. no) has a protective effect against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.94). Evidence related to the role of other studied factors (foods and supplements) is inconclusive. Further research into the potential role of diet in early life and the risk of acute leukemia is needed to develop prevention strategies at population level. Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019128937.

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.

Vitamin K and the Newborn Infant

Intramuscular administration of vitamin K for prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) has been a standard of care since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended it in 1961. Despite the success of prevention of VKDB with vitamin K administration, the incidence of VKDB appears to be on the rise. This increase in incidence of VKDB is attributable to parental refusal as well as lowered efficacy of alternate methods of administration. The aim of this statement is to discuss the current knowledge of prevention of VKDB with respect to the term and preterm infant and address parental concerns regarding vitamin K administration.

Belgian Consensus Recommendations to Prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in the Term and Preterm Infant

Neonatal vitamin K prophylaxis is essential to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) with a clear benefit compared to placebo. Various routes (intramuscular (IM), oral, intravenous (IV)) and dosing regimens were explored. A literature review was conducted to compare vitamin K regimens on VKDB incidence. Simultaneously, information on practices was collected from Belgian pediatric and neonatal departments. Based on the review and these practices, a consensus was developed and voted on by all co-authors and heads of pediatric departments. Today, practices vary. In line with literature, the advised prophylactic regimen is 1 or 2 mg IM vitamin K once at birth. In the case of parental refusal, healthcare providers should inform parents of the slightly inferior alternative (2 mg oral vitamin K at birth, followed by 1 or 2 mg oral weekly for 3 months when breastfed). We recommend 1 mg IM in preterm <32 weeks, and the same alternative in the case of parental refusal. When IM is perceived impossible in preterm <32 weeks, 0.5 mg IV once is recommended, with a single additional IM 1 mg dose when IV lipids are discontinued. This recommendation is a step towards harmonizing vitamin K prophylaxis in all newborns.

Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding: An Ounce of Prevention

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the formation of factors in the clotting cascade. Newborns are born with insufficient levels of vitamin K, resulting in high risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can occur in the first week of life ("classic" VKDB) and also between 2 weeks and 3 months of age ("late" VKDB). Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can present as bleeding in the skin or gastrointestinal tract, with as many as half of affected neonates experiencing intracranial bleeding. A single intramuscular injection of vitamin K effectively prevents both classic and late VKDB. Although intramuscular vitamin K is safe and effective, VKDB has reemerged because of decreased utilization. Parents refuse intramuscular vitamin K for a variety of reasons, including a disproven association with childhood cancer, the desire to avoid exposure to additives, and valid concerns about early neonatal pain. Many parents request oral vitamin K, an inferior alternative strategy that requires multiple doses utilizing products not designed for neonatal oral administration. In this setting, health care professionals must understand the epidemiology of VKDB and compassionately counsel parents to assuage concerns. Delivery of intramuscular vitamin K to all newborns remains a public health imperative, benefitting thousands of infants annually.

Newborn Vitamin K Prophylaxis: A Historical Perspective to Understand Modern Barriers to Uptake

Since its initial discovery almost a century ago, vitamin K has been labeled as both lifesaving and malignancy causing. This has led to debate of not only its use in general but also regarding its appropriate dose and route. In this article, we review through a historical lens the past 90 years of newborn vitamin K from its discovery through to its modern use of preventing vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Although researchers in surveillance studies have shown considerable reductions in VKDB following intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis, ongoing barriers to the universal uptake of vitamin K prophylaxis remain. Reviewing the history of newborn vitamin K provides an opportunity for a greater understanding of the current barriers to uptake that we face. Although at times difficult, improving this understanding may allow us to address contentious issues related to parental and health professional beliefs and values as well as improve overall communication. The ultimate goal is to improve and maintain the uptake of vitamin K to prevent VKDB in newborns.

Vitamin K supplementation to prevent hemorrhagic morbidity and mortality of newborns in India and China

BACKGROUND

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) can cause prolonged and bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) among newborns, which can be life-threatening or lead to long-term morbidity. The aim of this review article is to reiterate empirical evidence to support the argument that vitamin K should be mandatory for newborns in India and China, as well as in other countries with a high burden of neonatal deaths.

DATA SOURCES

Studies were integrated from the PubMed/MEDLINE database search, as well as related literature available elsewhere.

RESULTS

Both India and China have been slow in adopting an effective program for administering vitamin K injections to newborns to prevent VKDB-related morbidity and mortality. VKDB cases in China and India have shown inadequate attention to routine use of vitamin K by injection.

CONCLUSIONS

While no reliable data are publicly available, the issue of VKDB is at last receiving some attention from the Chinese public health system as well as the Indian government. In both countries, routine vitamin K administration to newborns would prove to be a cost-effective intervention to reduce preventable neonatal morbidity and mortality. VKDB is a global neonatal care issue, including countries where parental resistance is preventing babies from defense against this life-threatening condition.

Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in Newborn Infants: A Position Paper by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) due to physiologically low vitamin K plasma concentrations is a serious risk for newborn and young infants and can be largely prevented by adequate vitamin K supplementation. The aim of this position paper is to define the condition, describe the prevalence, discuss current prophylaxis practices and outcomes, and to provide recommendations for the prevention of VKDB in healthy term newborns and infants. All newborn infants should receive vitamin K prophylaxis and the date, dose, and mode of administration should be documented. Parental refusal of vitamin K prophylaxis after adequate information is provided should be recorded especially because of the risk of late VKDB. Healthy newborn infants should either receive 1 mg of vitamin K1 by intramuscular injection at birth; or 3 × 2 mg vitamin K1 orally at birth, at 4 to 6 days and at 4 to 6 weeks; or 2 mg vitamin K1 orally at birth, and a weekly dose of 1 mg orally for 3 months. Intramuscular application is the preferred route for efficiency and reliability of administration. The success of an oral policy depends on compliance with the protocol and this may vary between populations and healthcare settings. If the infant vomits or regurgitates the formulation within 1 hour of administration, repeating the oral dose may be appropriate. The oral route is not appropriate for preterm infants and for newborns who have cholestasis or impaired intestinal absorption or are too unwell to take oral vitamin K1, or those whose mothers have taken medications that interfere with vitamin K metabolism. Parents who receive prenatal education about the importance of vitamin K prophylaxis may be more likely to comply with local procedures.

Reasons for Refusal of Newborn Vitamin K Prophylaxis: Implications for Management and Education

OBJECTIVE

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends intramuscular (IM) vitamin K prophylaxis for all newborns to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Given the serious implications of late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding, our objective was to examine factors influencing parents' decisions to refuse IM vitamin K prophylaxis.

METHODS

Parents intending to refuse IM vitamin K prophylaxis at delivery were recruited from 5 community hospitals, 1 academic medical center, and 2 birthing centers in a single Southeastern state. Participants completed a written survey including demographics, birth and parenting decisions (eg, breastfeeding), and open-ended questions about their vitamin K information sources, concerns, and knowledge of risks.

RESULTS

The incidence of refusal was highest at the birthing centers. Fifty-four parents intending to refuse IM vitamin K completed the survey. Most were white (78%), over age 30 (57%), and college graduates (65%). All reported intention to exclusively breastfeed. Most refused hepatitis B vaccine (90%) and erythromycin eye ointment (77%). The most common source of information was the Internet (70%). Concerns included synthetic or toxic ingredients (37%), excessive dose (28%), and side effects (24%). Eighty-three percent of parents reported awareness of risks associated with vitamin K refusal. However, only 6 parents (11%) decided to accept IM prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an understanding of the concerns, mindset, and information sources used by parents refusing IM vitamin K. Educating parents about the importance of IM prophylaxis should begin in the prenatal period and must address concerns parents identify on the Internet.

Urinary excretion of vitamin K metabolites in term and preterm infants: relationship to vitamin K status and prophylaxis

Little is known about the metabolic turnover and excretion of vitamin K in healthy newborn infants and the metabolic consequences of prophylactic regimens designed to protect against vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). We measured the excretion of two urinary metabolites (≤ 24 h) of vitamin K (5C- and 7C-aglycones) in term infants before (n = 11) and after (n = 5) a 1000 μg i.m. dose of vitamin K1 (K1) and in preterm infants after 200 μg i.m. (n = 4), 500 μg i.m. (n = 4), or 200 μg i.v. (n = 5). In preterm infants, we also measured serum K1, vitamin K1 2,3-epoxide, and PIVKA-II at 5 d postpartum. Before prophylaxis, the rate of 5C- and 7C-aglycone excretion was 25 times lower than adults, reflecting low vitamin K stores at birth. After prophylaxis, the excretion rate correlated to K1 dose (r = 0.6) but was two orders of magnitude lower than that in adults, probably reflecting the immaturity of neonatal catabolism. All term and 10 of 13 preterm infants mainly excreted 5C-aglycone. We present evidence that increased excretion of the 7C-aglycone was associated with metabolic overload because of the exposure to high-tissue K1 concentrations. Measurement of the 5C- and 7C-aglycones may facilitate longitudinal studies of vitamin K status in neonates and aid the development of improved prophylactic regimens.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding: early history and recent trends in the United Kingdom

At the start of the 20th century the mechanisms of haemostasis were virtually unknown. Townsend had coined the term 'Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn' in 1894 but it was not until the discovery of vitamin K ('Koagulation vitamin') by Dam and others in the 1930s that the condition became understood, allowing treatment and prophylaxis. Methods of prophylaxis (preparations used, doses and routes of administration), still widely debated, have varied with time and from one country to another. The formation of the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit in the 1980s has allowed a series of prospective population studies of Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland which, together with contemporaneous surveys of practices of vitamin K prophylaxis, have greatly improved our understanding of the condition and informed practices of prophylaxis. In the UK prophylaxis (by injection or by mouth) is now offered to every newborn baby and VKDB is very rare, most cases occurring in breastfed babies whose parents have refused prophylaxis; by contrast, in developing countries most babies do not receive prophylaxis and VKDB is probably a common (but poorly documented) cause of death and handicap in the early months of life. Vitamin K prophylaxis should be available to all newborn babies.

Aetiology of childhood leukaemia

The acute leukaemias account for about 30% of all malignancy seen in childhood across the Western world. A peak incidence of precursor B cell ALL has emerged as socio-economic conditions have improved in countries worldwide. From twin studies and the use of neonatal blood spots it has been possible to back track the first initiating genetic events within critical haemopoietic cells to foetal development in utero for most precursor B cell ALL and some cases of AML. These events may occur as part of normal foetal development. Whether other factors (environmental or constitutional) are involved to increase the chance of these first genetic changes happening is unclear. For some leukaemias (e.g. infant MLL positive ALL) the first event appears adequate to create a malignant clone but for the majority of ALL and AML further 'genetic' changes are required, probably postnatal. Many environmental factors have been proposed as causative for leukaemia but only ionising irradiation and certain chemicals, e.g. benzene and cytotoxics (alkylators and topoisomerase II inhibitors) have been confirmed and then principally for acute myeloid leukaemia. It appears increasingly likely that delayed, dysregulated responses to 'common' infectious agents play a major part in the conversion of pre-leukaemic clones into overt precursor B cell ALL, the most common form of childhood leukaemia. Constitutional polymorphic alleleic variants in immune response genes (especially the HLA Class II proteins) and cytokines may play a role in determining the type of immune response. High penetrance germ-line mutations are involved in only about 5% of childhood leukaemias (more in AML than ALL). There is little evidence to support any role of viral transformation in causation, unlike in animals. Other environmental factors for which some evidence exists include non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and electric fields, although their mode of action in leukaemogenesis remains unclear. There is no single cause for childhood leukaemia and for most individuals a combination of factors appears to be necessary; all involving gene-environment interactions. To date few clear preventative measures have emerged, except the complete avoidance of first trimester X-rays in pregnancy; a healthy diet with adequate oral folic acid intake both preconception and early in pregnancy; and the early exposure of children to other children outside the home to facilitate stimulation and maturation of the natural immune system. Here then are clear echoes of the "hygiene hypothesis" regarding the initiation of allergies, autoimmune disease and type I diabetes mellitus in children and young people.

Molar pregnancy, childhood cancer and genomic imprinting – is there a link?

The United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) is a national multi-centre case-control study that was designed to evaluate the potential aetiological role of prenatal events in childhood cancer. The obstetric records of 2692 mothers of children diagnosed with cancer and 4864 mothers of children without cancer were available for analysis. Overall, 1754 (65%) case mothers and 3220 (66%) control mothers had at least one prior pregnancy before the birth of the index child. Of these, 12 (0.68%) of the former and 9 (0.28%) of the latter had a prior molar pregnancy (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1 - 6.1). Both childhood cancer and molar pregnancy are rare neoplastic events, and the numbers are small. Nonetheless, whilst the associations were strongest for common precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.9 - 14.7) and sarcoma (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.3 - 30.3), the spread across the remaining diagnostic groups suggests that the relationship, if confirmed, may be of a generalized, rather than specific, type. This is the first time that an association between childhood cancer and hydatidiform mole has been reported. The UKCCS's systematic use of clinical records permitted a more precise characterization of reproductive events than is possible in investigations that rely on individuals own accounts, and we are confident that our findings cannot be explained by recall bias or other methodological limitations. Accordingly, we suggest that there may be an aetiologic connection between molar pregnancy and childhood cancer, and speculate here on the various genetic/epigenetic mechanisms that could be involved.

Environmental factors and childhood acute leukemias and lymphomas

This review considers recent studies regarding the role of environmental factors in the etiology of childhood leukemia and lymphoma. Potential environmental risk factors identified for childhood leukemia include exposure to magnetic fields of more than 0.4 micro Tessla, exposure to pesticides, solvents, benzene and other hydrocarbons, maternal alcohol consumption (but only for certain genotypes), contaminated drinking water, infections, and high birth weight. The finding of space-time clustering and seasonal variation also supports a role for infections. There is little evidence linking childhood leukemia with lifetime exposure to ionizing radiation although fetal exposures to X-rays are associated with increased risk. Breast-feeding, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and having allergies all appear to be protective. Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is confined to areas of the world where malaria is endemic, with the additional involvement of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a co-factor. Environmental risk factors suggested for other types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) include exposure to ionizing radiation (both lifetime and antenatal), pesticides, and, in utero exposure to cigarette smoke, benzene and nitrogen dioxide (via the mother). Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is especially associated with higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation, but breast-feeding seems to confer lower risk. This is consistent with an infection or immune-response mediated etiology for HL.

Vitamin K, an update for the paediatrician

INTRODUCTION

This review summarizes current knowledge on vitamin K for the paediatrician. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, present in plants as phylloquinone and produced by bacteria as menaquinone. It is acting as a co-factor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase. This enzyme is responsible for post-translational modification of some glutamate side chains to gamma-carboxyglutamate. The majority of gamma-carboxylated proteins function in blood coagulation; others play a role in calcium homeostasis.

DATA

Newborn babies are at particular risk of vitamin K deficiency, as placental transfer is limited and human milk is a poor source. Vitamin K prophylaxis at birth effectively prevents vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), formerly known as "haemorrhagic disease of the newborn". Recent epidemiological studies provide data on the effectiveness of different administration routes and dosing schemes. Infants of mothers taking drugs that inhibit vitamin K are at risk of early VKDB and should receive 1 mg intramuscular (i.m.) as soon as possible after birth. Classic VKDB is prevented by intramuscular as well as by oral administration of 1 mg vitamin K. In exclusively breast-fed infants, single i.m. administration at birth is also effectively preventing (rare) late VKDB but single oral administration is not. If given orally, prophylaxis should be continued by either weekly administration of 1 mg till 12 weeks or repeating 2 mg at weeks 1 and 4. Daily administration of 25 microg offers insufficient protection. The only infants not fully protected in this way are those with yet unrecognised liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Further work is needed before firm recommendations can be made regarding dose in preterm infants and in patients with fat malabsorption/cholestasis or regarding the role of vitamin K in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in early infancy

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a rare and potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder of early infancy. Vitamin K stores are low at birth; thereafter breast-fed infants are at risk because of low concentrations in human milk. Classical VKDB occurs in the first week of life, is related to delayed or inadequate feeding and is readily prevented by small doses of vitamin K at birth. Late VKDB peaks at 3-8 weeks, typically presents with intracranial haemorrhage often due to undiagnosed cholestasis with resultant malabsorption of vitamin K. Diagnosis can be difficult but PIVKA-II measurements can provide confirmation even several days post-treatment. Without vitamin K prophylaxis, the incidence of late VKDB in Europe is 4-7 cases per 10(5) births; it is higher in SE Asia where in rural, low-income areas some 0.1% of affected infants may suffer intracranial bleeding. Late VKDB is largely preventable with parenteral vitamin K providing the best protection. The efficacy of oral prophylaxis is related to the dose and frequency of administration. Most multi-dose oral regimens provide protection for all except a small reservoir of infants with undetected hepatobiliary disease. Targeted surveillance of high-risk groups (e.g. biliary atresia) offers a novel approach to assess efficacy of prophylaxis.

Incidence of late vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns in the Netherlands in 2005: evaluation of the current guideline

Vitamin K prophylaxis is recommended to prevent the hazard of haemorrhage caused by vitamin K deficiency in newborns. The present Dutch guideline recommends 1 mg of vitamin K(1) orally at birth, followed by a daily dose of 25 microg of vitamin K(1) from 1 to 13 weeks of age for breastfed infants. Since the introduction of this prophylaxis, the incidence of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) has decreased; however, late VKDB is still reported. From 1 January to 31 December 2005, a nationwide active surveillance was performed by the Netherlands Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NSCK) to study the current incidence and aetiology of late VKDB in infants. Six cases could be validated as late VKDB: all were breastfed, one fatal idiopathic intracranial haemorrhage at the age of 5 weeks and five bleedings secondary to an underlying cholestatic liver disease between the age of 3 and 7 weeks. The total incidence of late VKDB and idiopathic late VKDB was calculated to be 3.2 (95% CI: 1.2-6.9) and 0.5 (95% CI: 0-2.9) per 100,000 live births, respectively. With the current Dutch guideline, idiopathic late VKDB is rare but late VKDB secondary to cholestasis still occurs in breastfed infants. Doubling the daily dose of vitamin K(1) to 50 microg, as is comparable to formula-feeding, may possibly prevent VKDB in this group. Further research, however, is needed to prove this hypothesis.

Neonatal vitamin K prophylaxis in Great Britain and Ireland: the impact of perceived risk and product licensing on effectiveness

OBJECTIVE

To determine current use of vitamin K (VK) prophylaxis in newborns and review the efficacy and effectiveness of regimens used.

DESIGN

Efficacy and effectiveness calculated using current practice details, data from Southern Ireland and two previous surveys, together with contemporaneous studies of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).

SETTING

Current survey: United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland). Efficacy and effectiveness tables: United Kingdom and Southern Ireland.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Current VK prophylaxis following uncomplicated term deliveries. Relative risk of VKDB calculated for the VK actually received and for "intention to treat".

RESULTS

Questionnaire response rate 95% (n = 243), all recommending VK prophylaxis. No association between unit size and route of administration. For uncomplicated term deliveries, 60% recommended intramuscular (IM) prophylaxis, 24% oral and 16% offered both routes without bias. All units offering IM gave a single dose, mostly 1 mg Konakion Neonatal. Oral regimens showed more variation: two thirds gave 2 mg (range 0.5-2 mg), the number of doses ranged from 1 to 11 and many used preparations off-licence or the unlicensed Orakay. IM prophylaxis, if given, provided the best protection (most efficacious) against VKDB. However, on an intention-to-treat basis (effectiveness), there is no statistically significant difference between the risks of VKDB after intended IM VK and after oral prophylaxis intended to continue beyond a week.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the principles of VK prophylaxis is now accepted by all, there is no uniformity in practice. Omission of prophylaxis appears to be a greater problem for IM than for multi-dose oral prophylaxis, affecting overall effectiveness.

Is the cultural context of MMR rejection a key to an effective public health discourse?

OBJECTIVES

(1) To explore the social and cultural influences, and health beliefs associated with low uptake of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine). (2) To describe and explore the prevalence of health beliefs associated with non-compliance with MMR, with a view to improving the personal relevance and impact of information for parents, in the context of persisting low uptake following public controversy.

METHODS

We undertook a survey of mothers' experiences of and attitudes to the MMR, developed through ethnographic study, which was linked to maternal and child information on the Child Health Database in Brighton, England.

RESULTS

Mothers interpret MMR risk through concepts of child health embedded in family health history, with a majority both of compliers and non-compliers holding that each child's immune system is unique. Cultural 'risk factors' for non-compliance relate strongly to the use of complementary healthcare, such as homeopathy, with evidence that rejection of vitamin K is associated with MMR non-compliance. Forty per cent, both of compliers and non-compliers, did not consider the possible benefits to other children of MMR.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have paradoxical and challenging consequences for the promotion of immunization in the policy context of increasing emphasis on healthy choices. They demonstrate the need for immunization information that acknowledges and addresses lay concepts of immunity.

The impact of national and international guidelines on newborn care in the nurseries of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Italy

BACKGROUND

Care procedures for preventing neonatal diseases are carried out according to nurseries' traditions and may be not consistent with the evidence based medicine issues.

METHODS

A multi-centric survey was conducted in 2 Regions located in NW Italy (Piedmont and Aosta Valley) in order to collect information on some healthy newborn care procedures. During 2001, a questionnaire was sent to the chief pediatrician in charge to the all 33 nurseries of the region asking the methods used during 2000 as prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum, early and late hemorrhagic disease of newborn, umbilical cord care and recommendations of vitamin D administration. Thereafter, during 2004 the same questionnaire was sent to the 34 chief pediatrician of nurseries to evaluate if the procedures were changed during 2003 according to guidelines. The nurseries care for 32,516 newborns in 2000 and 37,414 in 2003.

RESULTS

Aminoglycoside eyes drops as prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum were the first choice in both periods (23 out 33 nurseries in 2000 and 24 out 34 in 2003 p > 0.05; the corresponding figures for newborns were 18,984 out 32,516 newborns vs. 28,180 out of 37,414 p < 0.05). The umbilical cord care was carried out with alcohol in 12/33 centers (13,248 newborns) and dry gauze in 3/33 centers (2,130 newborns) in 2000, the corresponding figures in 2003 were 6/34 centers (p > 0.05), (6,380 newborns, p < 0.05) and 12/34 centers (p < 0.05), (18,123 newborns, p < 0.05). The percentage of newborns receiving of i.m. vitamin K. at birth increased during the study period (15,923/32,104 in 2000 vs. 19,684/37,414 in 2003, p < 0.01), but not the number of nurseries (16 in 2000 and 17 in 2003 p > 0.05). The numbers of parents of newborns who receive the recommendations of oral vitamin K during the first months life decreased from 2000 (25,516/30,606) to 2003 (29,808/37,414, p < 0.01) as well as for Vitamin D recommendation (14,582/30,616 in 2000 vs. 11,051/37,414 in 2003, p < 0.01). Oral vitamin K during the first months of life was recommended by 25 nurseries in 2000 and 27 in 2003 (p > 0.05), the corresponding figures for Vitamin D were 15 and 14 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the present study a large variability of procedures among the nurseries was observed. During the study periods, guidelines and evidence based medicine issues have only partially modified the neonatal care procedures In Piedmont and Aosta Valley nurseries. These observations suggest to implement local forum/consensus conference to standardized procedures as much as possible.

Perinatal and reproductive factors: a report on haematological malignancies from the UKCCS

The United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study was designed to examine the potential aetiological role of a range of perinatal and reproductive factors. Our use of clinical records permitted a more exact characterisation of reproductive events than is possible in investigations that rely on self-reporting; and the increased specificity with which antecedent events were measured produced more precise risk estimates, albeit ones based on progressively smaller numbers. Information on the conduct of this component of the study and results for 1485 children with haematological malignancies and 4864 controls are presented. The 'find' rate for obstetric records was high at 86% for cases, with 81% having information on both matched controls. Associations were seen for severe hyperemesis (Odds Ratio=3.6, 95%Confidence Interval=1.3-10.1, for all leukaemias), polyhydramnios (OR=4.0, 95%CI=1.5-10.3, for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)), anaemia (haemoglobin <10 g, OR=2.6, 95%CI=1.7-4.1, for AML), and pre-eclampsia (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.1-2.7, for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). Babies who developed leukaemia were heavier at birth (>4000 g, OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.0-1.4), as were their older siblings (>4000 g, OR=1.4, 95%1.0-1.9). Mothers' whose children developed common B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were more likely to have had a previous molar pregnancy (OR=5.2, 95%CI=1.9-14.7). Gender-specific analysis revealed that findings often differed markedly for boys and girls; and, in common with other reports, strong associations with Down's syndrome were seen for both ALL and AML.

Epidemiology and genetics of childhood cancer

Childhood cancer is rare everywhere in the world, with age-standardized annual incidence usually between 70 and 160 per million at age 0-14 years. Greater variation is seen between populations for some specific tumour types. Some of the largest variations are geographical and are attributable to environmental factors, whereas variation mainly on ethnic lines seems likely to be a marker of genetic predisposition. A wide range of familial and genetic syndromes is associated with an increased risk of childhood cancer. Virtually all the excess risk of cancer among first-degree relatives of children with cancer can be accounted for by known hereditary syndromes. Studies of weak predisposition and gene-environment interaction have so far shown limited consistency. There are very few established environmental or exogenous risk factors and most of these are infective agents. Many putative risk factors can hardly ever be investigated epidemiologically except by interview or questionnaire studies. Some recent examples illustrate the continuing problems of participation bias and recall bias.