Run Time: 14 minutes
Author: Dr. Donald Stader
- When a patient comes in with purpura the way to think is outside in, because there is a long list of things that can cause purpura.
- The most common cause of purpura is trauma.
- The next level is a blood vessel problem; Ehler’s-Danlos Syndrome, Vitamin C deficiency.
- Coagulation disorders is the 3rd level; hemophilia, coagulopathy (drugs are a big cause), low platelet counts (such as ITP)
- The most serious problems are often acquired and purpura could be a potentially deadly manifestation – such as HUS (caused by E. coli O157:H7), bacterial meningitis (meningococcus), leukemia/lymphoma, HSP.
- Often children are more seriously affected when they have purpura – importnant to check CBC, PT INR, and a BMP to evaluate for kidney function.
Link to Podcast: http://medicalminute.madewithopinion.com/purpua/