A devastating case of purpura fulminans in a young adult seven years after a splenectomy: a case report.

Abstract

It is well known that asplenic patients can suffer immediate and long-term infective sequelae, most of all from capsulated bacteria, whereas appropriate immunization can reduce the incidence of postsplenectomy sepsis. We discuss the case of a young adult developing an overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis (OPSS) due to streptococcus pneumoniae seven years after the splenectomy for a traumatic injury. Neither immunoprophylaxis nor antibiotic therapy, whose value is underlined by literature data and international guidelines, was ever administered, either by the hospital physicians or by the general practitioner.

• Authors: Alessandra De Salvia, Guido Lanzara, Domenico De Leo
• Journal: Medicine, science, and the law (Med Sci Law) Vol. 48 Issue 1 Pg. 75-7 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 0025-8024 [Print] England
• PMID: 18341162 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Humans
• IgA Vasculitis (etiology, physiopathology)
• Italy
• Male
• Postoperative Complications (microbiology)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Splenectomy (adverse effects)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (immunology, isolation & purification)