Risk of cerebral hemorrhage in neonates due to vitamin K . deficiency

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi An - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital. The doctor is a person who is very passionate about health care for children and has experience in successfully treating many newborn cases.

Vitamin K deficiency brain hemorrhage is a serious problem that can occur in some infants within the first few days of life. If the blood clot is large, causing compression of the brain parenchyma, the disease can be life-threatening or leave serious sequelae.

Vitamin K is a substance that the body needs to form blood clots and stop bleeding. Unfortunately, the body cannot synthesize this vitamin, but can only supplement vitamin K from food. Small amounts of vitamin K are also made by symbiotic bacteria in the gut.
For infants, when born, the body only has a very small amount of vitamin K stored. This can lead to serious bleeding problems if vitamin K is not taken in time. In particular, of particular concern is the risk of cerebral hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency.

Hemorrhagic stroke is when blood escapes from a blood vessel and flows into the skull. Because this is inherently an enclosed space, the amount of blood flowing out will risk compressing the brain parenchyma, causing necrosis, leading to organ dysfunction or even death.
In young children, especially infants, the cause of brain hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency is quite common. Due to the inherently low vitamin K reserves, newborns cannot stop bleeding because the blood does not have enough Vitamin K to form blood clots. Spontaneous bleeding can occur in the brain as well as anywhere inside or outside the body. If blood flows into internal organs such as the brain or intestines, it is very difficult to notice compared to blood flowing outside. By the time it becomes apparent, levels have become very severe, which can lead to irreversible permanent brain damage and even death.

All infants, regardless of gender or race, are at risk for vitamin K deficiency. This is because:
At birth, the baby has very little vitamin K stored in the body because only a small amount can be passed to the fetus via the placenta from the mother. The symbiotic bacteria capable of producing vitamin K are not yet present in the intestines of infants. Breast milk contains low amounts of vitamin K, so exclusively breastfed babies won't get enough vitamin K. The risk of vitamin K deficiency is only partially reduced until the baby starts solids and is fed a variety of foods. form of conventional foods starting at 6 months of age. At the same time, when it comes to this stage, the symbiotic intestinal bacteria system will also work effectively, providing more vitamin K.

In addition, babies will have an increased risk of brain hemorrhage in particular and organ bleeding in general due to vitamin K deficiency when some of the following factors are present, including:
Newborns do not receive vitamin K injections at birth . Some reports have shown that infants who do not receive vitamin K injections after birth have an 81-fold increased risk of late bleeding compared with infants who receive vitamin K injections. Infants who are exclusively breastfed. The child is prescribed certain medications, such as isoniazid or drugs to treat seizures. These medicines interfere with the way the body uses vitamin K. Children with liver disease cannot use their body's stored vitamin K. Children with diarrhea, celiac disease, or cystic fibrosis often have trouble absorbing vitamin K from foods.

Fortunately, a vitamin K deficiency brain haemorrhage in infants can easily be prevented with a single injection of vitamin K into the muscle in the thigh. It is this injection right after birth that will protect your baby from the risk of general bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency.
However, to ensure immediate skin-to-skin contact with the mother, the injection is given. Vitamin K can be delayed up to 6 hours after birth.

The possibility of bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency, the possibility of cerebral hemorrhage in particular, in newborns is without warning signs. This condition can be suspected if the child has the above risk factors.
However, when realizing that a child has the following characteristics, it is necessary to take the child to a doctor to screen for bleeding as well as ensure vitamin K reserves in the body:
Appearance of bruises, especially is around the head and face Nose bleeding, umbilical cord bleeding Skin color is lighter than before. For babies with dark skin, pale signs will be observed on the mucous membranes of the eyes and gums. Passing stools that are black or red, bloody or with a fishy odor, or vomiting blood Irritability, seizures, refusing to feed, vomiting or lethargy, or lethargy, can be signs of bleeding in the brain

In summary, brain hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency is a common problem in some infants during the first few days of life. Because vitamin K stores are so low at birth, the clotting system doesn't work properly, causing severe bleeding that can sometimes be life-threatening. Fortunately, this risk can be easily prevented with a single intramuscular injection of vitamin K on the infant's thigh at birth.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a service package "PAYTERY PACKAGE", including prenatal care, prenatal care and postpartum care. After birth, the baby will be fully injected with vitamin K. Vitamin K is preserved and stored in the best conditions with modern and advanced facilities, parents can rest assured to trust.

With a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and a system of modern equipment, at the same time, comprehensive professional cooperation with the most prestigious hospitals in Vietnam and developed countries: Singapore, USA , Japan... Vinmec International General Hospital is the perfect address to take care of mother and baby health, so you can rest assured to protect your baby.