A 5-week-old exclusively breastfed infant who did NOT receive any injection at birth is brought with seizures and pallor. CT head shows an intraparenchymal hemorrhage. PT is markedly prolonged with a normal platelet count. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Hemophilia A
- B Neonatal immune thrombocytopenia
- C Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- D Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding ✓
Correct answer: D. Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding
Explanation
Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding peaks at 2 to 8 weeks of age, occurs almost exclusively in exclusively breastfed infants (breast milk contains very little vitamin K), and classically presents with intracranial hemorrhage. Prolonged PT with normal platelets fits vitamin K deficiency. Hemophilia would show a normal PT with prolonged aPTT, and DIC would consume platelets.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.