FMGE 2021 — Pediatrics

Question 1: Vitamin K supplementation is given to neonates to prevent _____ .

• A. Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (Correct Answer)
• B. Scurvy
• C. Keratomalacia
• D. Breast milk jaundice
• E. Rickets

Explanation: ***Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn*** - Neonates have low levels of **vitamin K-dependent clotting factors** (II, VII, IX, X) due to poor placental transfer, sterile gut, and low vitamin K in breast milk. - Vitamin K supplementation at birth prevents potentially life-threatening bleeding episodes, known as **hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (VKDB)**, by ensuring adequate clotting factor production. *Scurvy* - Scurvy is caused by **vitamin C deficiency**, leading to impaired collagen synthesis. - Symptoms include **gingival bleeding**, skin hemorrhages, and poor wound healing, which are distinct from vitamin K deficiency. *Keratomalacia* - Keratomalacia is a severe eye condition resulting from **vitamin A deficiency**, characterized by drying and clouding of the cornea. - It leads to **blindness** and is not related to vitamin K metabolism. *Breast milk jaundice* - Breast milk jaundice is a common and usually benign condition in neonates where **breast milk components** interfere with bilirubin metabolism, prolonging physiological jaundice. - It is not prevented by vitamin K and is entirely distinct from coagulation disorders. *Rickets* - Rickets is caused by **vitamin D deficiency**, resulting in defective bone mineralization and skeletal deformities. - Clinical features include **bowed legs**, rachitic rosary, and delayed fontanelle closure, which are unrelated to coagulation or vitamin K.