Prevention of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Routine vitamin K1 administration is justified.

(1) Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn is due to vitamin K deficiency. Although rare, it is life-threatening and can have neurological sequelae. Prevention is based on routine vitamin K1 administration at birth. (2) The oral route is suitable for healthy term neonates, but dosing must be repeated if the infant is mainly breastfed. (3) The intramuscular route is reserved for neonates at risk (prematurity, neonatal disease, maternal treatment with antiepileptics or antibiotics), because of a possible risk of carcinogenicity.