Evaluation of Abnormal Bleeding in Children

Abstract

Abnormal bleeding or bruising is a relatively common clinical concern, frequently causing parents to seek care from their children's primary care provider. Although ecchymosis from playful trauma, occasional epistaxis, and heavy menstrual bleeding around the time of menarche and beyond are common occurrences, it can be difficult for pediatricians and other primary care providers to determine if their patient has age-appropriate symptoms versus abnormal or excessive bleeding. This review discusses considerations for abnormal bleeding in pediatrics and discusses an initial approach for evaluation of hemostasis in a child with bleeding symptoms. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(1):e36-e42.].