Beware of bleeding in newborns

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Cao Thi Thanh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
The cause of hemorrhagic disease in newborns is because the newborn's immune system and blood clotting function are still very poor. Therefore, when signs of bleeding under the skin appear in a newborn, it is a very serious condition. danger that can lead to death in children.

1. What is hemorrhagic disease in infants?

Hemorrhage (bleeding) is generally a condition in which blood (including both plasma and visible components) escapes from the circulatory system. Based on the nature, extent and location of bleeding, it has different names, such as: brain hemorrhage, subcutaneous hemorrhage, stomach bleeding ...
Hemorrhagic disease in newborns is a state of bleeding It is not uncommon for a potentially life-threatening neonatal event to occur. Currently, the Ministry of Health has implemented the provision of vitamin K to babies right after birth to protect them from the risk of brain and meningoencephalitis caused by vitamin K deficiency. The supply of vitamin K to newborns is done. Available in two forms: Oral or injectable.

2. Symptoms of Hemorrhage in Newborns

Symptoms of hemorrhagic disease in newborns are as follows.
The first sign is blood in the urine or stool, the mother should consider the high risk of the baby being bleeding. Signs of bleeding in babies can also show up through bruises or lumps on the head. Bleeding in newborns is also possible in certain areas such as the navel area or in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Bleeding in the penis in case of circumcision. Or in the places where the needle is punctured when going for vaccinations, IV fluids.... Other signs such as pale skin, irritability or excessive sleepiness. Seizures or yellow eyes 3 weeks after birth are also manifestations of hemorrhagic disease in the newborn.

Triệu trứng đầu tiên của bệnh xuất huyết ở trẻ sơ sinh là xuất hiện máu trong nước tiểu hoặc phân.
Triệu trứng đầu tiên của bệnh xuất huyết ở trẻ sơ sinh là xuất hiện máu trong nước tiểu hoặc phân.

3. Causes of Bleeding in Newborns

Hemorrhage in newborns is often caused by vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency reduces blood clotting. Meanwhile, infants have not yet been able to synthesize and store vitamin K in the body. Breast milk also does not provide an adequate source of vitamin K for the baby's healthy development.

4. Stages of hemorrhagic disease in infants

Early-onset phase This is neonatal bleeding that occurs within 24 hours of birth. In some cases, the disease occurs as soon as the first hour after birth. This is due to the mother's history of using blood thinners such as warfarin and antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. In addition, the mother's use of antibiotics such as cephalosporins or anticonvulsants also makes it difficult to metabolize vitamin K.
Basal onset This is bleeding in the newborn that occurs within 2 – 7 days postpartum. It mainly occurs in neonates who have not received injections or oral prophylactic vitamin K supplements at birth. Children who are exclusively breastfed and do not receive vitamin K supplements are also at increased risk of hemorrhagic disease.
Late-onset period Neonatal haemorrhage occurs between 2 weeks and 6 months. This is a common phenomenon in the case of children who have not received vitamin K injections.

5. Prevention of hemorrhagic disease in infants

The most effective way to prevent hemorrhagic disease in newborns is to give vitamin K injections after birth. Just 1 injection, the child received protection from hemorrhagic disease. However, this also depends on the resistance and health status of the child.
In case you are pregnant and taking anti-blood thinning or anti-epileptic drugs, you need to inform your doctor in advance to take timely measures to protect your baby from the risk of bleeding in the newborn.
It is very important to understand the role of vitamin K and its relationship with neonatal haemorrhage before and during pregnancy. Only then will you have the knowledge and skills to protect your baby from dangerous neonatal hemorrhagic disease.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The package pregnancy helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Để phòng bệnh xuất huyết ở trẻ sơ sinh hãy cho trẻ tiêm vitamin K sau khi sinh
Để phòng bệnh xuất huyết ở trẻ sơ sinh hãy cho trẻ tiêm vitamin K sau khi sinh

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