Fetal intracranial hemorrhage due to maternal subclinical vitamin K deficiency associated with long-term eating disorder.

Vitamin K deficiency in pregnant women causes intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in fetuses. Fetal ICH frequently causes life-threatening and persistent neurological damage. However, indicators for preventing fetal ICH are not established. Two pregnant women developed long-term eating disorders caused by psychosis. They were administered intravenous fluid and vitamin supplementation, excluding vitamin K. The intracranial low-hypoechoic area on fetal ultrasound was suggestive of fetal ICH due to vitamin K deficiency. Their neonates showed severe developmental delay. Laboratory analysis revealed a normal prothrombin time, but elevated protein induced by vitamin K absence II. Pregnant women who have eating disorders more than 3 weeks could develop fetal ICH due to maternal subclinical vitamin K deficiency. Illness duration and protein induced by vitamin K absence II of pregnant woman may be indicators for vitamin K administration to prevent fetal intracranial hemorrhage.