Endotoxin shock due to Vibrio vulnificus infection

Abstract

A 54-year-old man with hepatitis C fell into shock with symptoms similar to enterocolitis after ingesting an undercooked barbecued mackerel. Most of his eruptions developed into annular erythema with small vesicles. He had taken high dose corticosteroids with intravenous cefotiam. His eruptions improved, but his shock state was exacerbated on Day 2. Treatment for endotoxin shock was initiated using piperacillin, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and hemoperfusion with Polymyxin B immobilized fiber (PMX-F), which resulted in shock reversal. The serum IL-6 value was 118,000 pg/mL on admission, and decreased to 2040 pg/mL on Day 3. On Day 6, the results from the culture of skin biopsy specimens showed the diagnosis as Vibrio vulnificus septic shock. Debridement was not needed, which is thought to be essential to Vibrio vulnificus sepsis. The changes in the serum IL-6 levels demonstrated that hemoperfusion with PMX-F and IVIg therapy was practical for Vibrio vulnificus septic shock.