[Administration of vitamin K to neonates and infants]

Abstract

The Committee on Infant Nutrition of the Dutch National Cross Association and the Education Bureau on Food and Nutrition, and the Dutch Paediatric Association recommend the administration of a single oral dose of 1 mg vitamin K1 at birth to all healthy infants in order to prevent haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Parenteral administration of vitamin K1 at birth is recommended for newborn especially at risk. For infants who are wholly or largely breastfed a daily dose of 25 micrograms vitamin K1 orally is recommended for the first three months, to be increased to 50 micrograms per day in case of additional risk factors. Literature on causes of vitamin K deficiency, incidence of HDN and trends in prophylaxis is summarized and issues which require further clarification are indicated.