Vitamin K and Childhood Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Fear N T, Roman E, Ansell P, Simpson J, Day N, Eden O B
Primary Institution: University of Leeds
Hypothesis
Is there an association between intramuscular vitamin K administration and childhood cancer, particularly leukaemia?
Conclusion
The study found no convincing evidence that neonatal vitamin K administration influences the risk of children developing leukaemia or any other cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 2530 cases of cancer and 4487 controls.
- 39% of cases and 42% of controls had a written record of i.m. vitamin K administration.
- 24% of cases and 22% of controls had no record of whether or not they received vitamin K.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether giving babies vitamin K shots could lead to cancer later on, and it found no link.
Methodology
A national population-based case–control study involving children aged 0–14 diagnosed with cancer, comparing cases with matched controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to missing records of vitamin K administration.
Limitations
The study was limited to data collected in England and North Wales, and findings may not be generalizable to other regions.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 0–14 years, with a mix of males (56%) and females (44%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.15 (1.01–1.31)
Confidence Interval
1.01–1.31
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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