VKDB or Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) is a condition that can cause bleeding in babies. This condition is certainly dangerous for the baby, therefore it is important to give vitamin K injections to the baby at birth.
Newborns have very little amount of vitamin K in their bodies. Whereas in the newborn vitamin is needed to prevent bleeding in various organs of the body, from the brain, stomach, and intestines.
Vitamin K plays an important role in coagulation or blood clotting. Clotting is a process that helps prevent excessive bleeding, both inside and outside the body.
What is Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB)?
Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) is a condition where there is a deficiency or lack of vitamin K in the body. This deficiency can lead to extensive bruising, even if only due to minor injuries. The other thing is to lead a small wound that continues to bleed.
In newborns, low levels of vitamin K are common. This is because the good bacteria that produce vitamin K in the baby’s intestine have not yet developed. This condition also occurs due to the intake of vitamin K which is not properly absorbed by the placenta when the baby is still in the womb.
If the newborn has biliary atresia, hepatitis, chronic diarrhea, and trypsin enzyme deficiency, the risk for developing VKDB will be higher. This risk would occur until the age of 6 months.
Mothers need to be aware that if bleeding occurs in the brain, the baby is at risk of permanent brain damage. Babies who bleed heavily usually require blood transfusions or even have to undergo surgery.
Notes from DeveHealth:
Make sure your baby gets vitamin K injections after birth to prevent VKDB and any kind of risk of bleeding. This supplement is one of the important components for maintaining healthy newborns.
