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Disorders of coagulation misdiagnosed as nonaccidental bruising
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital and Health Center, San Diego, California, USA.
Insights
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia and hemophilia can cause unexplained bruising in children, mimicking nonaccidental trauma. Early screening for coagulation disorders is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Unexplained bruising in children can be misdiagnosed as nonaccidental trauma.
- Coagulation disorders are a potential underlying cause of such bruising.
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenia and hemophilia are examples of relevant bleeding disorders.
Abstract:
Two cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenia and one case of hemophilia with unexplained bruising are presented. The children were all initially thought to be victims of nonaccidental trauma until coagulation disorder screening tests were returned with abnormal values. A review of the literature of similar cases is presented. It is recommended that any child with unexplained or implausible bruising receive a screen for coagulation disorders consisting of a complete blood count with platelet count, prothrombin time, a partial thromboplastin time, and a bleeding times.