A rare complication of infantile hemangioma: Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

Ricardo A Caravantes1, José Manuel Toralla2, Daniela Saenz1

  • 1Department of Medical Research, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, 6ta calle final zona 10, Guatemala 01010, Guatemala.

PubMed

Insights

Infantile hemangiomas, common vascular tumors in infants, can rarely cause Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a severe bleeding disorder. This case underscores the complexity of KMP diagnosis and management in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Hematology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Infantile hemangiomas are the most frequent vascular tumors in infants, occurring in approximately 5% of newborns.
  • Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a rare but life-threatening complication of infantile hemangiomas.
  • KMP is a consumptive coagulopathy involving thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and hypofibrinogenemia.