Re: The baby, the serious illness and the bloody nose
Dr Mark Struthers points out that Christopher Blum and Christopher
Clark died from a rare undetermined disorder heralded by nose bleeding and
the proper investigation and accurate diagnosis of such illness is
necessary for the future protection of all children and their families.
Nose bleeds at this age are “herald lesions” which indicate a
disorder of haemostasis.
The particular investigations required in these cases are those for
the detection of Vitamin C deficiency (1) and an abnormality or
deficiency of Vitamin K (2).
One hopes that with a better understanding of the essentials of
haemostasis and osteogenesis there will be fewer undetermined disorders of
this nature.
Rapid Response:
Re: The baby, the serious illness and the bloody nose
Dr Mark Struthers points out that Christopher Blum and Christopher
Clark died from a rare undetermined disorder heralded by nose bleeding and
the proper investigation and accurate diagnosis of such illness is
necessary for the future protection of all children and their families.
Nose bleeds at this age are “herald lesions” which indicate a
disorder of haemostasis.
The particular investigations required in these cases are those for
the detection of Vitamin C deficiency (1) and an abnormality or
deficiency of Vitamin K (2).
One hopes that with a better understanding of the essentials of
haemostasis and osteogenesis there will be fewer undetermined disorders of
this nature.
References
1. Clemetson CAB. Child abuse or Barlow’s disease? Pediat Internt
2003;45:758.
2.Innis MD Vitamin K Deficiency Disease. Jour Orthomol Med 2008; 23:
15-20
Competing interests:
I am the author of one of the references.
Competing interests: No competing interests