OBJECTIVE: In this study the authors review this subject, and call attention for the late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, due to the severity and higher risk of mortality and neurological sequelae. METHODS: In this article, four cases of children, age raging from 12 to 21 days, with late hemorrhagic disease associated with vitamin K deficiency were reported. RESULTS: All newborns had multiple hemorrhagic manifestations of the disease. The systems more affected were digestive tract, urinary system, umbilical cord, respiratory system and nervous system. CONCLUSION: Three forms of hemorrhagic disease of newborn have been related with vitamin K deficiency. However, late vitamin K deficiency bleeding is not common and may not be diagnosed by pediatrician. This form of disease can be prevented by vitamin K prophylaxis administration after birth.
OBJECTIVE: In this study the authors review this subject, and call attention for the late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, due to the severity and higher risk of mortality and neurological sequelae. METHODS: In this article, four cases of children, age raging from 12 to 21 days, with late hemorrhagic disease associated with vitamin K deficiency were reported. RESULTS: All newborns had multiple hemorrhagic manifestations of the disease. The systems more affected were digestive tract, urinary system, umbilical cord, respiratory system and nervous system. CONCLUSION: Three forms of hemorrhagic disease of newborn have been related with vitamin K deficiency. However, late vitamin Kdeficiency bleeding is not common and may not be diagnosed by pediatrician. This form of disease can be prevented by vitamin K prophylaxis administration after birth.