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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Author Spotlight: Deciphering Coagulation Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Published on: August 4, 2023
A refugee child with multiple patterned ecchymoses: a diagnostic dilemma between nonaccidental injury and primary
Alexandros Makis1, Vasiliki Masina1, Evangelia-Anna Spiteri1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina.
Insights
A child
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- A 4-year-old Syrian girl presented with unexplained bruises.
- The family reported a history of bleeding issues since infancy.
Observation:
- Bruises were noted in areas typically protected from accidental injury, resembling fingerprints and object shapes.
- No new bruises appeared during the patient's hospital stay.
- Initial blood tests for thrombocytopenia and coagulation factor deficiencies were normal.
Findings:
- Further investigation revealed Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, a rare inherited bleeding disorder.
- Platelet aggregation tests and flow cytometry confirmed the diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare bleeding disorders in children with unexplained bruising.
- Healthcare providers must rule out physical abuse while also investigating primary hemostatic defects, as both can coexist.
Abstract:
A 4-year-old girl from Syria presented to the hospital with multiple bruises on her body. Bruises were observed in protected areas in a shape of fingerprints and objects, while no other bruises occurred during hospitalization. The parents also reported a history of bleeding diathesis from infancy. Both the initial laboratory evaluation and the secondary tests done for possible thrombocytopenia and coagulation factors deficiencies were normal. Thus, the nonaccidental injury protocol of the Hospital was activated, and the possibility of abuse was not quite evident. Investigation for platelet disorders followed. Platelet aggregation test and flow cytometry were indicative of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. It is of great importance in these cases, that the doctor eliminates any possibility of physical abuse and examines the patient for common and rare primary hemostatic defects, although both can co-exist.
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