Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome

This rare syndrome appears in infants with a rare type of vascular tumor called a Kaposiform that triggers "platelet trapping" leading to thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets), anemia (low number of red blood cells) and an activation and consumption of coagulation factors.  The diagnosis is generally made with blood tests and imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI.  Current treatments include steroids or interferon.