Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) is a condition where a newborn experiences excessive bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and infants are born with low levels because they don't get enough from the mother during pregnancy. Without enough vitamin K, blood may not clot properly, leading to bleeding in areas like the brain or other organs. This condition can be prevented with a vitamin K injection shortly after birth, ensuring proper blood clotting and reducing the risk of serious bleeding complications.