Bleeding from umbilicus

Problem:
The age of the boy is 15 days. Mother came to me with the complain of bleeding from umbilicus. His umbilical stump has been separated 3 days back, then bleeding is occurring from the umbilicus and a crust of blood is also formed over the umbilicus. The baby is otherwise normal, is feeding well, passed stool and urine.

Comment:
This baby is likely suffering from Vit K deficiency which is common in newborn, especially in premature babies. Breast fed babies also suffer from this deficiency.
Doctors treat the condition by giving Inj Konakion (Vitamin K1 analogue). This vitamin helps in the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver which are dependent on vitamin K. Cleaning of the umbilicus is also important.

The condition may be prevented by giving Inj Konakion after birth and on the 7th day orally.

Badrud Doza