Five Cases of Hemorrhagic Disease of Infancy

ABSTRACT

A hemorrhagic disease due to acquired prothrombin complex deficiency is presented in five infants from 3 weeks to 2 months of age. There are 2 cases of intracranial hemorrhage, 1 case of hemothorax, 2 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 case of epistaxis and 3 cases of petechia, purpura or bleeding from injection site. After the administration of vitamin K, bleeding ceased and prolonged prothrombin time was corrected promptly. Vitamin K dependent coagulation factor deficiency due to vitamin K deficiency is accounted for the pathogenesis of bleeding. Diarrhea, treatment with antimicrobial agents and a diet low in vitamin K are suggested as etiologic factors acting together.