Incidence of VKDB
Signs of VKDB
The signs of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (or VKDB) can be:
| |
 |
Unexplained bruising on the skin, |
|
Unusually heavy bleeding from the baby's bowel, umbilical cord, skin (if cut), nose or mouth or |
|
Excessive bleeding after a medical intervention such as an injection, putting in a drip (if the baby is in intensive care) or circumcision. |
Babies who have an underlying (or undetected) liver disorder or bowel absorption disorder are at an increased risk of VKDB. This is because they are less able to:
| |
|
Absorb any Vitamin K1 swallowed. |
|
Obtain and store Vitamin K2 produced by the baby's bowel. |
|
Gain much benefit from being given Vitamin K supplements after the birth. |
Signs of a liver disorder can include:
| |
|
Pale, white-looking bowel motions. |
|
Prolonged jaundice (although this can also happen in healthy babies as well), or jaundice suddenly appearing when the baby is over a week old (this is not normal), and / or |
|
An enlarged liver that may be detected when your caregiver physically checks your baby. |
NOTE: You should be aware that it is possible for a baby with a liver disorder to still develop VKDB, even if they are given a Vitamin K supplement.
Incidence of VKDB
The incidence of VKDB will depend on the reason for the condition and when the bleeding first occurs. The disorder is classified into 3 types, depending on when the bleeding starts.