Some physicians in Alberta are observing a troubling pattern where new parents are increasingly hesitant to consent to or outright decline vitamin K injections for their newborns, a practice that has been standard for many years. Canadian infants commonly receive vitamin K shots shortly after birth due to their typically low levels of the vitamin, crucial for blood clotting to prevent severe bleeding. The Canadian Paediatric Society and other reputable medical bodies recommend administering the shot within six hours post-delivery.
Dr. Stephanie Cooper, a high-risk obstetrician based in Calgary, has noticed a significant uptick in parents expressing reluctance towards providing vitamin K to their babies. Many parents express distrust in the injection without being able to explain their reasoning, while others are influenced by misinformation circulating on social media platforms like TikTok, erroneously linking the injection to autism.
Dr. Carrah Bouma, a pediatrician in Calgary, emphasizes the safety and necessity of vitamin K injections, which have been administered without issue for decades. Babies not receiving the shot are at risk of spontaneous bleeding, including severe complications like gut or brain bleeding that can lead to long-term consequences such as cerebral palsy. Medical experts caution that hemorrhaging risks can escalate during procedures such as circumcisions or tongue-tie reversals.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control warns about vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a condition that can occur in infants within the first six months of life, potentially resulting in brain damage or fatality. The resistance towards vitamin K injections is on the rise, with a notable increase in parents refusing the treatment, as highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
While most families comply with the recommended vitamin K shot, Dr. Bouma has observed growing reluctance, with some opting for oral medication over injections. The Canadian Paediatric Society underscores the superiority of injections over drops, cautioning that the latter may not be as effective in preventing bleeding, including in the brain. Dr. Bouma emphasizes the safety of the injection, citing minimal side effects like mild pain or bruising at the injection site.
Public data reveals an increase in vitamin K uptake among Alberta newborns in recent years, although there remains resistance in certain regions. Alberta Health Services has been urged to enhance parental education on the risks associated with rejecting vitamin K, as clusters of higher refusal rates were identified over a decade ago in specific areas across the province.