The pathogenesis of acquired prothrombin complex deficiency syndrome (APCD syndrome) in infants

Abstract

Acquired prothrombin complex deficiency (APCD) in infants of 1-2 months of age was described in 1966, but the precise pathogenesis has remained unclear. The authors feel that APCD is the result of a vitamin K deficiency due to several factors: 1) most of the afflicted (98%) have been breast fed, and human milk is low in vitamin K content; 2) APCD commonly occurs at an age before additional food has been added to the infant diet; and 3) the syndrome occurs in areas where vitamin K prophylaxis is not given to neonates. The authors do not discourage breast feeding, but do encourage vitamin K prophylaxis. (Van Slyck - Detroit, Mich.)