Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn

Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn is due to vitamin K deficiency and causes bruising and blood loss via the bowel which may occur at any time up to eight weeks after birth. It is prevented by giving all newborn babies vitamin K. This may be given either as an injection or by mouth, though since it is poorly absorbed a number of oral doses may be necessary. Vitamin K is synthesised by bacteria in the bowel (which are not present, of course, at birth) and is widely present in vegetables, so deficiency and in childhood is rare.
 
 
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