Open AccessKlebsiella-induced purpura fulminans in a Nigerian child: Case report and a review of Literature
Author(s) -
Wasiu A. Olowu
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
west african journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-160X
DOI - 10.4314/wajm.v21i3.28043
Subject(s) - medicine , purpura fulminans , gangrene , purpura (gastropod) , disseminated intravascular coagulation , coagulopathy , pediatrics , dermatology , intensive care medicine , surgery , ecology , biology
Purpura fulminans (PPF) is a very severe but rare acute thrombohaemorrhagic illness of infants and young children. It occurs mainly, in patients with either congenital or acquired deficiencies of proteins C and S and antithrombin III. Features of PPF include disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, symmetrical necrotic purpura and/or ecchymoses and symmetrical peripheral gangrene; digital and/ or limb(s) amputations and end-organ failure(s) may also occur. The case of a 3.5 year-old Nigerian girl, who developed PPF following Klebsiella-rhinoscleromatis septicaemia is reported to illustrate the seriousness of the disease and the need for early diagnosis and management.