Purpura occurred in 9 out of 58 patients with kwashiorkor studied in Cape Town. The disease was often associated with low platelet counts. A significant decrease in the prothrombin index was found in most patients with kwashiorkor and gastro-enteritis. This was attributed to a deficiency of Factor VII and sometimes of prothrombin. These defects were made good rapidly when a suitable diet was given. Vitamin K deficiency and a grossly fatty liver may have been in part responsible, but the relationship between these factors and the purpura was not completely clear. 1194 R. Passmore.