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Delayed presentation of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
The Medical Journal of Australia
|August 6, 1983
Insights
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) can cause permanent disabilities in infants. Delayed vitamin K prophylaxis in breast-fed infants increases the risk of this preventable condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a serious condition in infants.
- Vitamin K prophylaxis at birth is standard practice to prevent HDN.
- Breast-fed infants are at higher risk if they do not receive vitamin K.
Observation:
- This study describes six full-term infants with delayed HDN presentation.
- These infants had no underlying diseases but did not receive prophylactic vitamin K.
- All infants were exclusively breast-fed.
Findings:
- Delayed presentation of HDN occurred in these infants.
- Two infants sustained permanent handicaps due to the condition.
- HDN is an uncommon but preventable neonatal disorder.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical importance of timely vitamin K administration.
- Underscores the risk of permanent neurological damage from preventable HDN.
- Emphasizes the need for consistent vitamin K prophylaxis in all newborns, especially those breast-fed.
Abstract:
Six infants with delayed presentation of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn are described. All were full-term infants who had no underlying disease, but did not receive prophylactic doses of vitamin K at birth and were breast-fed. Two infants have been left with permanent handicaps as a result of this uncommon, but preventable, disorder.