Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a medical condition characterized by abnormal bleeding in a newborn baby, usually occurring within the first few days after birth. This condition is caused by a deficiency in vitamin K, which is essential for normal blood clotting.
Vitamin K is usually obtained from diet or synthesized by bacteria in the gut. However, newborns often have insufficient levels of this vitamin due to limited transfer across the placenta during pregnancy and a lack of gut bacteria at birth. As a result, the blood clotting factors essential for normal coagulation may be insufficiently produced, leading to spontaneous bleeding.
The signs and symptoms of HDN can vary, but commonly include bruising, bleeding from the umbilical cord, nosebleeds, blood in the stool, or bleeding in other parts of the body like the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or central nervous system. Severe cases of HDN can put the newborn at risk of life-threatening bleeding.
To prevent HDN, newborns are routinely administered vitamin K injections shortly after birth. This treatment effectively replenishes vitamin K levels and helps prevent abnormal bleeding. In some cases, oral vitamin K supplements may be given to infants at higher risk of HDN, such as those born prematurely or those with certain medical conditions.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of HDN are crucial to prevent complications. With appropriate vitamin K supplementation, the prognosis for newborns with HDN is excellent, and the risk of bleeding is minimized.
