Are pediatricians complicit in Vitamin K deficiency bleeding?

Melissa Weddle, Allison Empey, Eric Crossen, Aaron Green, Joy Green, Carrie A. Phillipi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a single dose of intramuscular Vitamin K to prevent Vitamin K deficiency bleeding. How should the clinician respond when parents decline Vitamin K? Although Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can have devastating sequelae, they are uncommon; therefore, parents are generally allowed to decline Vitamin K after counseling is provided. When parents ask for a Vitamin K preparation of unproven effectiveness, should the clinician honor that request? To address these questions, we present a case of a healthy newborn whose parents declined intramuscular Vitamin K and requested an oral preparation. Two general pediatricians discuss the medical and ethical issues these situations pose, and the parents describe their experience.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)753-757
Number of pages5
JournalPediatrics
Volume136
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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