Evaluating for suspected child abuse: conditions that predispose to bleeding

Pediatrics. 2013 Apr;131(4):e1357-73. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-0196. Epub 2013 Mar 25.

Abstract

Child abuse might be suspected when children present with cutaneous bruising, intracranial hemorrhage, or other manifestations of bleeding. In these cases, it is necessary to consider medical conditions that predispose to easy bleeding/bruising. When evaluating for the possibility of bleeding disorders and other conditions that predispose to hemorrhage, the pediatrician must consider the child's presenting history, medical history, and physical examination findings before initiating a laboratory investigation. Many medical conditions can predispose to easy bleeding. Before ordering laboratory tests for a disease, it is useful to understand the biochemical basis and clinical presentation of the disorder, condition prevalence, and test characteristics. This technical report reviews the major medical conditions that predispose to bruising/bleeding and should be considered when evaluating for abusive injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / blood
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / complications
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Blood Coagulation Tests
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Contusions / blood
  • Contusions / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hemorrhage / blood
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhagic Disorders / blood
  • Hemorrhagic Disorders / complications
  • Hemorrhagic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / blood
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / etiology