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Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (Vitamin K Deficiency)
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What is hemorrhagic disease of the newborn? |
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Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is a bleeding problem that occurs in a newborn during the first few days of life. |
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What causes hemorrhagic disease of the newborn? |
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Babies are normally born with low levels of vitamin K, an essential factor in blood clotting. A deficiency in vitamin K is the main cause of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. |
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Who is affected by hemorrhagic disease of the newborn? |
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Vitamin K deficiency may result in bleeding in less than 2 percent of babies. Babies at risk for developing hemorrhagic disease of the newborn include the following: |
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- Babies who do not receive preventative vitamin K in an injection at birth
- exclusively breastfed babies (breast milk contains less vitamin K than cow's milk formula).
- Babies whose mothers have seizure disorders and take anti-convulsant medications.
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Why is hemorrhagic disease of the newborn a concern? |
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Without the clotting factor, bleeding occurs and severe bleeding or hemorrhage can result. |
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What are the symptoms of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn? |
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The following are the most common symptoms of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: |
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- Blood in the baby's bowel movements.
- Blood in urine.
- Oozing around the umbilical cord.
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The symptoms of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis. |
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How is hemorrhagic disease of the newborn diagnosed? |
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In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a diagnosis is based on the signs of bleeding and by laboratory tests for blood clotting times. |
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Treatment for hemorrhagic disease of the newborn: |
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Specific treatment for hemorrhagic disease of the newborn will be determined by your baby's physician based on: |
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- Your baby's gestational age, overall health and medical history.
- Extent of the disease.
- Your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies.
- Expectations for the course of the disease.
- Your opinion or preference.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends giving every newborn baby an injection of vitamin K after delivery to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease.
If bleeding occurs, vitamin K is also given. Blood transfusions may also be needed if bleeding is severe.
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