A study of Vitamin K status in children on prolonged antibiotic therapy

Indian Pediatr. 2003 Jan;40(1):36-40.

Abstract

Vitamin K deficiency is known to cause coagulopathy and bleeding in patients on prolonged antibiotic therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the status of vitamin K deficiency in hospitalized children on prolonged antibiotic therapy and its role in reversing the coagulopathy. A prospective non-randomized study was conducted on children on antibiotic therapy at a tertiary care hospital. Children in the 1 month-1 year age group developed significant coagulopathy as compared to other age groups. Coagulation abnormalities were also seen to be more in children with greater grades of malnutrition, on a more prolonged course of antibiotics and in children who were critically ill in intensive care. Hypoprothrombinemia previously reported to be due to B-lactam antibiotics containing the N-Methyl Thio Tetrazole (NMTT) group also resulted from antibiotics without this side chain. Inhibition of intestinal microorganisms by antibiotics was thought to be a likely explanation of this phenomenon. We suggest Vitamin K prophylaxis in severely ill patients, on extended periods of antibiotics and inadequate diet to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Hypoprothrombinemias / chemically induced
  • Hypoprothrombinemias / prevention & control
  • Infant
  • Lactams
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin K / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / chemically induced*
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Lactams
  • Vitamin K