Maternal total parenteral nutrition and fetal subdural hematoma

Abstract

background Fetal subdural hematoma is rare, and no case resulting from vitamin K deficiency secondary to maternal total parenteral nutrition has been reported. Case A 28-year-old woman was managed with total parenteral nutrition from 28 weeks’ gestation because of continuous vomiting due to esophageal hiatal hernia. A sinusoidal pattern by cardiotocogram was observed at 31 weeks’ gestation. Serial sonograms showed a fetal subdural hematoma, and cesarean delivery was performed. Although the maternal hepaplastin test result was normal and the maternal PIVKA-II concentration was only slightly elevated, the neonate was severely anemic and had severe vitamin K deficiency. Conclusion Severe fetal vitamin K deficiency can develop even when the maternal deficiency is mild. When maternal total parenteral nutrition is necessary, supplemental vitamin K should be administered.