Evaluation for Bleeding Disorders in Suspected Child Abuse.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2022
Identifier
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-059276
Abstract
Bruising or bleeding in a child can raise the concern for child abuse. Assessing whether the findings are the result of trauma and/or whether the child has a bleeding disorder is critical. Many bleeding disorders are rare, and not every child with bruising/bleeding that may raise a concern for abuse requires an evaluation for bleeding disorders. However, in some instances, bleeding disorders can present in a manner similar to child abuse. Bleeding disorders cannot be ruled out solely on the basis of patient and family history, no matter how extensive. The history and clinical evaluation can be used to determine the necessity of an evaluation for a possible bleeding disorder, and prevalence and known clinical presentations of individual bleeding disorders can be used to guide the extent of laboratory testing. This clinical report provides guidance to pediatricians and other clinicians regarding the evaluation for bleeding disorders when child abuse is suspected.
Journal Title
Pediatrics
Volume
150
Issue
4
MeSH Keywords
Blood Coagulation Disorders; Child; Child Abuse; Contusions; Hemorrhage; Humans; Prevalence
Keywords
Blood Coagulation Disorders; Child Abuse; Contusions; Hemorrhage; Prevalence
Recommended Citation
Anderst J, Carpenter SL, Abshire TC, et al. Evaluation for Bleeding Disorders in Suspected Child Abuse. Pediatrics. 2022;150(4):e2022059276. doi:10.1542/peds.2022-059276