Bhat, Rukhmi VDeshmukh, C T2003-01-302009-05-272003-01-302009-05-272003-01-30Bhat RV, Deshmukh CT. A study of Vitamin K status in children on prolonged antibiotic therapy. Indian Pediatrics. 2003 Jan; 40(1): 36-40http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/9804Vitamin K deficiency is known to cause coagulopathy and bleeding in patients on prolonged antibiotic therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the status of vitamin K deficiency in hospitalized children on prolonged antibiotic therapy and its role in reversing the coagulopathy. A prospective non-randomized study was conducted on children on antibiotic therapy at a tertiary care hospital. Children in the 1 month-1 year age group developed significant coagulopathy as compared to other age groups. Coagulation abnormalities were also seen to be more in children with greater grades of malnutrition, on a more prolonged course of antibiotics and in children who were critically ill in intensive care. Hypoprothrombinemia previously reported to be due to B-lactam antibiotics containing the N-Methyl Thio Tetrazole (NMTT) group also resulted from antibiotics without this side chain. Inhibition of intestinal microorganisms by antibiotics was thought to be a likely explanation of this phenomenon. We suggest Vitamin K prophylaxis in severely ill patients, on extended periods of antibiotics and inadequate diet to prevent morbidity and mortality.engAnti-Bacterial Agents --adverse effectsAntifibrinolytic Agents --therapeutic useChildChild, PreschoolHospitalizationHumansHypoprothrombinemias --chemically inducedInfantLactamsProspective StudiesTreatment OutcomeVitamin K --therapeutic useVitamin K Deficiency --chemically inducedJournal Article