[Meningococcal sepsis in 3 young men]

Abstract

History and clinical findings: Three young men became ill one after the other with fever, headaches, vomiting, arthralgias and muscle pain. One day after beginning of symptoms all three patients developed a haemorrhagic rash with petechial and ecchymotic lesions most intense on distal extremities. 24 hours later patient no. 1 and 3 were in septic shock.

Investigations: Laboratory tests showed signs of systemic infection, disseminated intravascular coagulation and renal failure. On the day of admission to the hospital blood cultures showed Neisseria meningitidis in patient no. 1 and 3. In patient no. 2 blood cultures were negative.

Treatment and course: Intravenous antibiotic therapy was started immediately after admission. In patient no. 1 and 3 purpura fulminans with multiple organ failure demanded intensive care treatment. Patient no. 1 recovered. Necrotic toes made amputations necessary. Patient no. 2 was never critically ill. Patient no. 3, whose course was complicated by a long lasting disseminated intravascular coagulation, died from massive cerebral bleeding 6 days after admission. Patient no. 2, who was treated with ciprofloxacin after symptoms began was never critically ill.

Conclusion: Neisseria meningitidis sepsis has a high mortality rate. Rapid admission to the hospital and beginning of an antibiotic therapy with penicillin G or a third-generation cephalosporin is a priority when meningococcal disease is suspected. Chemoprophylaxis should be offered to close contacts of patients.