Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding Presenting as Nodular Purpura in Infancy: A Rare and Life-Threatening Entity

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) disorder is an uncommon entity, which occurs due to inadequate activity of vitamin K-dependant coagulation factors. An 8-months-old exclusively breast-fed male infant presented with multiple, purpuric and nodular non-collapsible swellings on trunk of 4 days duration. Investigations revealed raised activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombintime. Fibrinogen level and platelet counts were normal. Late VKDB usually presents as intra-cranial or mucosal hemorrhages.([1]) Though skin and mucosal bleeding may occur in 1/3(rd) of infants with VKDB, ‘nodular purpura’ is not the common presenting feature. Earlier recognition of VKDB and immediate investigation/treatment helps prevent the potentially fatal outcome of the disease. Very little is mentioned about this entity in dermatology literature.