Vitamin K prophylaxis: Leaving the old route for the new one?

Oral or patenteral administration of vitamin K is the accepted practice for prevention of early vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in the newborn. However, vitamin K prophylaxis in the newborn continues to be a worldwide health concern, particularly in breastfed infants. This paper reviews the current status of the use of vitamin K for the prevention of early and late VKDB. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.