MANDATING VITAMIN-K PROPHYLAXIS FOR NEWBORNS IN NEW-YORK-STATE

New York State's infant deaths and hospitalization attributed to hemor rhagic disease of the newborn and other neonatal hemorrhagic condition s were reviewed. In 65% of 34 deaths reviewed, vitamin K was not docum ented as given or was given only after the onset of hemorrhage. Vitami n K was not included in standing orders in any of 22 hospitals contact ed. As a result of this review, vitamin K prophylaxis was made a manda tory newborn care procedure in the State Public Health Code.