Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in the Netherlands, in order to evaluate the efficacy of recommendations on vitamin K prophylaxis.
Design: Descriptive.
Setting: University Hospital Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Methods: Active surveillance of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) by the Dutch Paediatric Surveillance Unit from October 1, 1992 to December 31, 1994.
Results: Of the 19 reported cases 5 could be validated as late vitamin K deficiency bleeding: 2 idiopathic cases, and 3 secondary cases due to liver disorders. One case had intracranial bleeding and died. None of the cases had received exactly the recommended prophylaxis. The incidence of late VKDB was calculated to be 1.1/100,000 live births. Before vitamin K prophylaxis was recommended the incidence was estimated to be 7/100,000.
Conclusion: The present Dutch recommendations for prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding-1 mg vitamin K at birth and thereafter for breastfed infants daily 25 micrograms from 2 to 13 weeks-appear effective.