It's interesting to see Vitamin K mentioned by several people in the context of the discussion on resuscitation.
There have been cases reported in the literature in which babies were given oxytocic in stead of vitamin K, with disastrous consequences. ACMI Vic Branch took action several years ago, and developed a Position Statement on storage and administration of neonatal Vitamin K. The Nurses Board of Victoria reprinted the Position Statement in Nexus June 1998 (which is distributed to all who are registered), with the statement "The Board considers that the following Position Statement ... should be drawn to the attention of all Midwives in Victoria." This serious potential for harm should be dealt with by changing practice, and I urge any midwives on this list to ensure that such errors could not happen where you work. I have copied out the statement below fyi. Joy Johnston ACMI Victorian Branch Position Statement (published ACMI Vic. Open Line 1997. 5:2, p8) Storage and Administration of Neonatal Vitamin K In recent years there have been several reports of accidental administration of oxytocic (ergometrine) to newborn infants in Victorian maternity units. These incidents have apparently occurred when oxytocic drugs, intended for administration to the woman, have been stored near to neonatal Vitamin K (Konakion), intended for prophylactic administration to the infant. The reported adverse effects in the infants include one fatality, respiratory distress, apnoea, and convulsions. The Victorian Poisons Information Centre advises that neonatal Vitamin K should not be administered to the infant in the birthing area. The Victorian Branch of the Australian College of Midwives (the College) endorses this advice. The College recommends a review of procedures and policies in the light of this information. Vitamin K is not an emergency drug. Non-emergency medical treatments should not be allowed to interfere with the early contact and bonding between the woman and her child. Vitamin K should be given at an appropriate time, and with the mother's informed consent. References: The Aust J Hospital Pharmacy 1996. 26: p454 ACMI Vic. Open Line 1997. 5:2, p8 Mitchell AA et al. Accidental administration of ergometrine to a newborn (letter) JAMA 1983; 250:730 Donatini B et al. Inadvertent administration of uterolytics to neonates (letter) Lancett 1993; 341:839 Pandey SK and Haines CL. Accidental administration of ergometrine to a newborn infant. BMJ 1982; 285:693 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
