Disorders of coagulation misdiagnosed as nonaccidental bruising

Pediatr Emerg Care. 1997 Oct;13(5):347-9. doi: 10.1097/00006565-199710000-00014.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Female
  • Hemophilia A / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / diagnosis*