Fetal Intracranial Hemorrhage and Maternal Vitamin K Deficiency Induced by Total Parenteral Nutrition: A Case Report

Rationale: Fetal brain hemorrhage is rare. It is caused mainly by maternal trauma or fetal coagulation disorder, but in some cases, vitamin K deficiency may be the cause.

Patient Concerns: We describe the case of a pregnant woman with bowel obstruction who was susceptible to vitamin K deficiency due to oral diet restriction, decreased intestinal absorption, and limited intravenous vitamin K supplementation.

Diagnosis: After 18 days of intermittent total parenteral nutrition, acute onset of severe fetal brain hemorrhage developed.

Interventions: After acute onset of fetal brain hemorrhage, the patient underwent an emergency cesarean section at 25 + 3 weeks of gestation due to fetal non-reassuring fetal monitoring.

Outcomes: The Apgar score at birth was 0/0, and despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation, neonatal death was confirmed. After the baby was delivered, we checked the maternal upper abdominal cavity and found a massive adhesion in the small bowel to the abdominal wall near the liver and stomach with an adhesion band. The adhesion band, presumably a complication of previous hepatobiliary surgery, appeared to have caused small bowel obstruction. Adhesiolysis between the small bowel and abdominal wall was performed.

Lessons: This case demonstrates that even relatively short-term total parenteral nutrition can cause severe fetal brain hemorrhage. Vitamin K supplementation is required for mothers who are expected to be vitamin K deficient, especially if they are on total parenteral nutrition for more than 3 weeks.