Petechiae/purpura in well-appearing infants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Well infants with petechiae and/or purpura can present to emergency departments, and their management can be difficult. Many will have extensive investigations and treatment that may not be necessary. METHODS: This was a retrospective and descriptive audit investigating well infants (<8 months of age) presenting with petechiae or purpura in the absence of fever to a pediatric emergency department over a 91/2-year period. All presenting problems of petechiae or purpura were reviewed. Patients were excluded if they appeared unwell, were febrile or have a history of fever, or had eccyhmoses on presentation. RESULTS: Thirty-six babies were identified. The average age was 3.8 months (..