ABSTRACT

Conclusion:

Since neonatal hemorrhagic disease is a preventable condition with high morbidity and mortality, the application of vitamin K prophylaxis should be standardized by expanding it.

Results:

The age range of 5 (71%) male and 2 (28.5%) female cases was 15-49 days (median: 29 days). Allegations of medical malpractice in all cases; It was related to the fact that vitamin K prophylaxis was not applied and the diagnosis was insufficient in the follow-up. It was recorded that all of the cases did not receive vitamin K prophylaxis in the neonatal period. All of our cases presented with intracranial hemorrhage and recovered with neurological sequelae. In the evaluation of the committee, malpractice was detected in two cases, and no medical malpractice was found in 5 cases.

Materials and Methods:

The study was planned as a descriptive retrospective study. Between January 2017 and June 2021, 7 cases who underwent medicolegal evaluation with the diagnosis of “Neonatal Hemorrhagic Disease” in the 7th Specialization Board of Forensic Medicine were included in the study. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory features of the cases were retrospectively analyzed and recorded.

Introduction:

Early, classical and late type hemorrhagic disease may develop as a result of the decrease in the synthesis of Factors II, VII, IX, and X in the newborn due to the low rate of transfer of vitamin K from the placenta in the prenatal period. Neonatal hemorrhagic disease can be significantly prevented with postnatal vitamin K prophylaxis. Although the clinical presentation varies, intracranial hemorrhage and multiple system hemorrhages can be seen. In the study, it was aimed to discuss the sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of the cases that did not receive vitamin K prophylaxis and were reflected in the medicolegal process.