Anaesthetic management of a neonate with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is characterised by giant haemangioma, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Triggering of disseminated intravascular coagulation along with the need for massive blood transfusion is the major intraoperative complication. A 1-month-old boy was scheduled for excision and split skin grafting of a giant haemangioma over the left thigh. Investigations revealed severe anaemia with thrombocytopenia that was uncorrected despite multiple blood transfusions. Other treatment modalities were also unsuccessful and the neonate was taken up for excision of the haemangioma in order to correct the consumptive coagulopathy. Standard anaesthesia was administered and all appropriate measures to reduce blood loss were instituted. Massive blood transfusion was required but the intraoperative and post-operative period was uneventful and followed by a significant improvement in the haemoglobin and platelet counts in the post-operative period.