title: Transient lupus anticoagulant: an unusual cause of bruising in children.
abstract: A child presented with excessive bruising and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Mixing studies in plasma were positive for phospholipid dependence of the anticoagulant, confirming a diagnosis of lupus anticoagulant. Factor II level was reduced. Laboratory findings normalised after three months, with spontaneous resolution of bruising. This case demonstrates a transient antiphospholipid antibody syndrome as a rare presentation of bleeding diathesis in a previously healthy child, and should be considered in children with new onset bruising and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Hemel Hempstead General Hospital, UK. annakarenia@netscape.net
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Mohan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Liesner
mesh_terms: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000097:blood*; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / Q000502:physiology*; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time
chemical_list: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor