Evaluation of the acceptability of a new oral vitamin K prophylaxis for breastfed infants.
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Authors
Strehle, Eugen-Matthias
Howey, C.
Jones, Rhian
Issue Date
2010
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
vitamin K , food supplement
Alternative Title
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability and tolerability of the oral food supplement Neokay for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 45 midwives in which they were asked 10 questions about their use of Neokay, its advantages and disadvantages, and their perceptions of parental attitudes towards this new prophylactic treatment.
Results: During a 6-month period one dose of Neokay was given to 1794 healthy newborns at birth and further daily doses were given to 812 breastfed infants for 3 months. The midwives listed as main advantages ease of administration, no need for prescription or written consent, and transfer of responsibility to parents. As disadvantages, they mentioned possible reduced compliance as a result of the frequency of dosing, decreased parental confidence in breastfeeding and technical issues with packaging.
Conclusion: A prophylactic vitamin K dosage regimen of 1mg oral vitamin K (Konakion MM Paediatric or Orakay) given to all healthy neonates at birth, combined with daily doses of 50μg Neokay for 3months for breastfed babies is well tolerated and acceptable to midwives and parents.
Description
Citation
Strehle, E. et al. (2010) Evaluation of the acceptability of a new oral vitamin K prophylaxis for breastfed infants. Acta Paediatrica; 99 (3) : 379-383.
Publisher
License
Journal
Acta Paediatrica
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
1651-2227