THE VITAMIN K requirement of young infants is minimal1 and usually is fulfilled by the normal infant diet. Goldman and Desposito2 presented case reports of five infants who developed hypoprothrombinemic bleeding while receiving formulas of low vitamin K content. These authors presented data indicating that soy formulas (Sobee, Mull-Soy) are high in vitamin K, higher in fact than whole cow's milk or commercially prepared skimmed cow's milk products with added vegetable oil (Enfamil, Similac).
The following case is reported because the patient developed hypoprothrombinemic bleeding while being fed a new soy formula (Isomil).
Report of a Case
A 7-week-old female infant was hospitalized because of recurrent epistaxis. There was no family history of bleeding disorders. Birth weight was 3.7 kg (8 lb, 1 ounce). The infant had received 1.25 mg of menadione sodium bisulfite (Hykinone) intramuscularly shortly after delivery. Initial feedings consisted of a proprietary cow's milk formula.