Routine administration of vitamin K to newborns

Question 1

What is early hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?

Answer 1

presents as unexpected Bleeding, often with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and ecchymosis, and, in many cases, intracranial hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency that occurs during the first 24h of life. Often due maternal intake of drugs that impair vitamin K metabolism

Question 2

What is classic hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?

Answer 2

Presents in the first week of life and rarely seen when vitamin K is given to the newborn infant

Question 3

What is late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?

Answer 3

Presents at 3-8 wks of age almost exclusively among breastfed infants

Question 4

What is the recommendation for vitamin K administration?

Answer 4

Vitamin K 0.5mg (<1500g) or 1mg (>1500g) IM x 1 in 1st 6h of life

If parents refuse IM then recommend vitamin K 2mg PO at first feeding and repeat at 2-4wk and 6-8 wks –> increased risk of late HBND using this regimen (and intracranial hemorrhage)