Compliance with recommendations for giving vitamin K to newborn infants

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Abstract
Newborn infants have low plasma concentrations of vitamin K and are at risk of haemorrhagic disease if not given supplemental vitamin K.1 n 1992 an association between intramuscular vitamin K and childhood cancer was reported.2 The British Paediatric Association subsequently recommended that oral vitamin K supplements should be given to newborn infants, with repeat doses for breast fed infants.3 However, the chief medical officer has stated that there is no licensed preparation of vitamin K for oral use available in the United Kingdom.4 The policy regarding vitamin K administration at our hospital was recently changed to follow the British Paediatric Association's recommendations. All infants are given a first oral dose of 0.5 mg of vitamin K within the first 24 hours after birth. A second dose of 0.5 …