Vitamin K-responsive coagulopathy in Henoch-Schölein purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is classically described as a systemic vasculitis without known platelet or clotting abnormality. A 15-year-old boy with Henoch-Schönlein purpura experienced a major hemorrhagic diathesis that was responsive to parenterally administered vitamin K. We believe that the gastrointestinal vasculitis prevented the absorption of available vitamin K necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors. Early treatment with parenteral vitamin K in similar cases should be considered.