Nicolau syndrome induced by intramuscular vitamin K in a premature newborn

Eur J Pediatr. 2009 Dec;168(12):1541-2. doi: 10.1007/s00431-009-0964-6. Epub 2009 Mar 11.

Abstract

Introduction: Nicolau syndrome (NS), also known as livedo-like dermatitis or embolia cutis medicamentosa, is a very rare complication of intramuscular and intraarticular injection of various drugs.

Case report: We herein report a case of NS developing approximately 2 h after the intramuscular administration of vitamin K1 in an extremely low birth weight premature newborn. To our knowledge, this patient is the youngest case suffering from such a livedoid skin necrosis and the first case of neonatal NS developing due to intramuscular administration of vitamin K1.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / chemically induced*
  • Syndrome
  • Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 12 / adverse effects*
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B Complex / adverse effects*
  • Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding / prevention & control

Substances

  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin B 12