Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB)

• This study commenced in October 2006
• This is the fourth VKDB survey undertaken by the BPSU
• Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is an uncommon, potentially severely handicapping or fatal condition caused by vitamin K (VK) deficiency in early life. The latest BPSU study (2000-02) demonstrated the lowest incidence of VKDB for 15 years with no mortality or long-term morbidity. Cases of VKDB reported during this study occurred most commonly in babies who received no vitamin K because their parents failed to give consent for it to be given.
• At the time of this study the cremophor preparation (Konakion Neonatal) was used by most of the 60% of units recommending IM VK prophylaxis.
• As has already occurred in the rest of Europe, the manufacture has now withdrawn this preparation and recommended the micellar preparation (Konakion MM) be used as a single 1mg IM dose for prophylaxis.
• The main aim of the study is to provide information, not available elsewhere, regarding the efficacy of Konakion MM 1mg, given as a single intramuscular dose, in the prevention of VKDB, particularly late VKDB.
• Funded: Roche UK
• Ethics: The study has approval from the Cornwall Research Ethics Committee (06/Q2101/74) and PIAG.
• Lead Investigator Dr John Tripp, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.

For more information on this project visit the navigation bar.

Dr Alsion Busfield