Evaluation of the acceptability of a new oral vitamin K prophylaxis for breastfed infants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability and tolerability of the oral food supplement Neokay for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 45 midwives in which they were asked 10 questions about their use of Neokay, its advantages and disadvantages, and their perceptions of parental attitudes towards this new prophylactic treatment. During a 6-month period one dose of Neokay was given to 1794 healthy newborns at birth and further daily doses were given to 812 breastfed infants for 3 months. The midwives listed as main advantages ease of administration, no need for prescription or written consent, and transfer of responsibility to parents. As disadvantages, they mentioned possible reduced compliance as a result of the frequency of dosing, decreased parental confidence in breastfeeding and technical issues with packaging. A prophylactic vitamin K dosage regimen of 1 mg oral vitamin K (Konakion MM Paediatric or Orakay) given to all healthy neonates at birth, combined with daily doses of 50 microg Neokay for 3 months for breastfed babies is well tolerated and acceptable to midwives and parents.