Diagnostic approach to a child with mucocutaneous bleeding (purpuric disorders) based on platelet count and platelet appearance on peripheral smear*

ITP: immune thrombocytopenia (previously known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura); vWD: von Willebrand disease.
​* Mucocutaneous bleeding in children is characteristic of disorders that cause abnormal platelet number and/or function. However, mucocutaneous bleeding can also occur in patients with abnormal coagulation (eg, hemophilia, disseminated intravascular coagulation). The diagnostic approach presented here represents a simplified approach based solely on platelet count and the appearance of the platelets on peripheral smear. In many cases, additional evaluation is warranted. Refer to UpToDate topic on the evaluation of bleeding symptoms in children for additional details.