Surgical intervention for the complications of meningococcal-induced purpura fulminans.

Abstract

Purpura fulminans is an infrequent but sometimes catastrophic illness that usually complicates a viral, rickettsial or bacterial infection. This communication presents a retrospective review of 152 patients with meningococcemia hospitalized at Children's Medical Center of Dallas from January, 1983, through December, 1993. Eighteen (11.9%) of the 152 patients developed purpura fulminans. Thirteen (72%) of the 18 patients with purpura fulminans needed one or more surgeries including skin grafts, local debridement, microvascular flaps or amputations. Five patients (28%) died.

• Authors: R Herrera, P C Hobar, C M Ginsburg
• Journal: The Pediatric infectious disease journal (Pediatr Infect Dis J) Vol. 13 Issue 8 Pg. 734-7 (Aug 1994) ISSN: 0891-3668 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7970975 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Amputation, Surgical
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Debridement
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Meningococcal Infections (complications)
• Purpura (complications, microbiology, mortality, surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Surgical Flaps