Vitamin K-Deficient Hemorrhagic Disease in Infants with Acute Subdural Hematoma

ABSTRACT

We had experienced 2 cases of acute subdural hematoma due to vitaimin K(vit. K) deficiency. They were 44-and 42-day-old. After the adminstration of vit.K1, prolonged prothrombin time(PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) were corrected, so the surgical treatment ws performed. We supposed the predisposing factors were breast feeding and unknown hepatic pathology. No complication remained to one infant but the other multiple cerebral infarctions. The etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention are discussed. We insist on neonatal administration of vit. K1 for the prevention of bleeding tendency. If intracranial hemorrhage develops, we must keep in mind that the early neurosurgical intervention may be needed.