Petechiae

Description

Petechiae result from focal leakage of blood from dermal capillaries into the adjacent dermal connective tissue. They present as multiple pin-point non-blanching red or purple macules. The many underlying causes range from the innocuous (e.g. coughing or straining) to life-threatening conditions (e.g. meningococcal septicaemia).

Exclusions from above levels

• 19 – Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
• JA66 – Clinical findings on antenatal screening of mother