Low levels of vitamin K can lead to dangerous bleeding in newborns and infants. The vitamin K given at birth provides protection against bleeding that could occur because of low levels of this essential vitamin.
Do newborns need vitamin K?
Yes, health experts recommend that all newborns get a dose of vitamin K at birth. Babies aren’t born with enough of this important vitamin, which is needed for blood to clot normally.
Why Vit K is given at birth?
Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting. Newborn babies are given vitamin K injections to prevent a serious disease called haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN).
When should vitamin K be given to newborns?
Administering PO vitamin K (2.0 mg at birth, repeated at 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 weeks of age), should be confined to newborns whose parents decline IM vitamin K. Health care providers should clarify with parents that newborns are at increased risk of VKDB if such a regimen is chosen.
Can you refuse vitamin K shot?
You’re right – it’s not too bad. But the refusal behavior is associated with a variety of other dangerous behaviors. 82% of the Vitamin K refusers also refused ocular prophylaxis for Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum which can result in permanent blindness.
Is oral vitamin K safe for newborns?
For formula-fed neonates without risk of haemorrhage, a 2 mg oral dose of vitamin K at birth, followed by a second 2 mg oral dose between day 2 and 7, is probably sufficient to prevent VKDB.
Is vitamin K given at birth?
Since 1961, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended supplementing low levels of vitamin K in newborns with a single shot of vitamin K given at birth. Low levels of vitamin K can lead to dangerous bleeding in newborns and infants.
What injection is given to a newborn baby?
In newborns, vitamin K injections can prevent a now rare, but potentially fatal, bleeding disorder called ‘vitamin K deficiency bleeding’ (VKDB), also known as ‘haemorrhagic disease of the newborn’ (HDN). Babies can be given the injection in hospital after they’re born.
What are signs of vitamin K deficiency?
The signs and symptoms associated with vitamin K deficiency may include:
- Easy bruising.
- Oozing from nose or gums.
- Excessive bleeding from wounds, punctures, and injection or surgical sites.
- Heavy menstrual periods.
- Bleeding from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Blood in the urine and/or stool.
What type of vitamin K is given to newborns?
We now give infants vitamin K1 (phytonadione).