Placental transfer of vitamin K1 in preterm pregnancy
Article Abstract:
Fetuses born to mothers receiving anticonvulsant therapy or anticoagulation therapy, and those that are delivered prematurely are at risk for intraventricular hemorrhage, abnormal bleeding into the spaces in the brain. Although the mechanism for intraventricular hemorrhage is not well understood, some have suggested treating mothers in early labor with vitamin K1, essential for blood clotting. It is not known whether vitamin K given to mothers in early labor can pass through the placenta to the fetus in any appreciable amounts. The transfer of vitamin K1 from the mother to her fetus was studied in 78 women in early labor (before 35 weeks of pregnancy). Blood levels of vitamin K1 were measured in 38 women who received vitamin K1 (10 milligrams) intramuscularly (IM) and in 40 control women, who received none of the vitamin. IM administration of K1 was repeated four days later. Daily oral doses of vitamin K (20 mg) were given if the pregnancy continued eight days after the initial injection. Fetal blood samples were obtained from umbilical cords at the time of delivery. The amount of vitamin K1 was higher in the treated infants than in the nontreated infants. Although there was no difference in the amount of vitamin K1 in the blood of the mothers who received IM or IM and oral doses combined, the infants born to mothers receiving the combined IM and oral vitamin K1 had higher vitamin K1 levels. Therefore, vitamin K does cross the placenta slowly and in small amounts. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1990
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A prospective evaluation of bone mineral change in pregnancy
Article Abstract:
The formation (mineralization) of the fetal skeleton requires calcium, which is taken from the mother's stores. It is estimated that approximately 30 grams of calcium are required for this process. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to have an adequate dietary intake of calcium. Low calcium intake may increase the risk of maternal bone mass loss and consequent osteoporosis (decreased bone density). Several studies have attempted to determine if maternal bone density is altered during pregnancy, but these studies have produced conflicting results. A study was conducted to determine if pregnancy is associated with a loss of bone mass in otherwise healthy, well-nourished women. Bone mineral density was measured in 32 women before and during pregnancy, and compared with measurements made in 32 healthy, nonpregnant women of similar age, height and weight. There was no change in maternal bone mineral density during pregnancy, and bone mineral density was the same in pregnant and nonpregnant women. Pregnant women with smaller body size were more likely to experience an increase in the mass of the femur (the large bone connecting the hip to the knee) than the pregnant women who had bigger bodies. It is concluded that the development of the fetal skeleton, and its requirement for calcium, does not cause a loss of bone mass in the mother. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1991
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