Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn)

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a bleeding problem that occurs in some newborns during the first few days of life. VKDB was previously called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

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 VKDB.

Vitamin K deficiency may result in bleeding in a very small percentage of babies. Babies at risk for developing vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) include the following:

• Babies who do not receive preventive vitamin K in an injection at birth

• Exclusively breastfed babies (breast milk contains less vitamin K than cow's milk formula)

• Babies whose mothers take anticonvulsants (for seizures) and anticoagulants (for clotting disorders) 

Without the clotting factor, bleeding occurs, and severe bleeding or hemorrhage can result.

The following are the most common symptoms of VKDB. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the baby's bowel movements

• Blood in the baby's urine

• Oozing around the umbilical cord

The symptoms of VKDB may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's doctor for a diagnosis.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a diagnosis is based on signs of bleeding and laboratory tests for blood clotting times.

Specific treatment for VKDB will be determined by your baby's doctor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving every newborn baby an injection of vitamin K after delivery, as well as supplementing feedings with infant formulas that contain vitamin K, to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease.

Blood transfusions may also be needed if bleeding is severe.