[Coagulation tests in newborn infants and their dynamics in relation to vitamin K prophylaxis].

A prospective study of some coagulation screening tests in newborns is performed having in mind to elucidate coagulation status in healthy term newborns and the necessity of vitamin K prophylaxis. Two groups of newborn babies are formed: the first includes 29 babies without vit. K prophylaxis, the second--30 newborns who receive 1 mg/kg i.m. vit. K on the first day after birth. All the newborns have their prothrombin time (PT) and partial prothrombin time (aPTT) measured in day first, fourth, and in a small number on the seventh day as well. Low PT (54%) and moderately prolonged PTT (44.37 sec) are found on the first day after birth. It is established that the coagulation status is normalized faster in newborns who have received vit. K prophylaxis--as soon as fourth day, while the group without vit. K--until the end on the first or the beginning of the second week. The conclusion is made that it is wise to use vit. K prophylaxis not only with premature, but also in risk term infants.