Late VKDB is the most concerning type - this bleeding occurs up to 6 months of age in previously healthy infants, and between 30–60% of late VKDB presents as an intracranial bleed. Classical VKDB is typically characterized by bruising or bleeding from the umbilicus. Early VKDB is severe, and is mainly found in infants whose mothers used certain medications during pregnancy that interfere with vitamin K metabolism, such as certain anticonvulsants or isoniazid. VKDB can be classified according to the time of presentation after birth into early (0–24 hours), classical (1–7 days) and late (2–12 weeks) VKDB. Infants who do not receive the vitamin K shot are at risk for developing VKDB. What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB)? Infants are therefore predisposed to having low vitamin K levels, resulting in low levels of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and an increased risk for bleeding, termed vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Breast milk contains only low levels of vitamin K, and it may take weeks to months for the infant’s ‘sterile’ gut to become established and functional. Also, the bacteria that produce the vitamin in the newborn’s intestines are not yet present. Babies have very little vitamin K in their bodies at birth because only small amounts of the vitamin pass through the placenta. Sources of Vitamin KĪdults get vitamin K from food - mainly leafy green vegetables - and from bacterial synthesis in the gut. Vitamin K is also involved in bone metabolism. Vitamin K refers to a group of structurally similar fat- soluble molecules that are primarily involved in the synthetic pathways of a number of clotting factors. Encourage expectant parents to protect their newborn by making sure he or she gets the shot after birth.Talk to expectant parents about the benefits of a single Vitamin K shot after birth before they get to the delivery room.Provide reliable information to parents about the benefits of Vitamin K so that they can make the most informed choices about their child’s medical care and protect them from potentially devastating health consequences. As a healthcare provider, you are in a unique position to debunk these myths and misperceptions. This puts babies at risk for dangerous bleeding which can lead to brain damage and even death. Although the Vitamin K shot is safe and, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has been routinely given to newborns at birth since 1961, some parents refuse the shot due to myths and misperceptions about its safety.
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