Petechiae and Purpura

Abstract

Key Points The differential diagnosis for petechiae and/or purpura is broad, but in an ill-appearing child with sepsis must be at the top of the list.In a well-appearing child, petechiae and/or purpura should raise the possibility of a platelet disorder or another hemostatic defect.Facial petechiae after vaginal delivery in a well-appearing newborn likely result from birth trauma, but more diffuse petechiae warrant further investigation.If thrombocytopenia is accompanied by an abnormality of red and/or white blood cells, a bone marrow process should be considered.