Purpura fulminans in sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis-induced purpura fulminans is a rare but life-threatening disorder, characterized by hemorrhagic infarction of the skin caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation and dermal vascular thrombosis. The pathogenesis is linked to enhanced expression of the natural procoagulants and depletion of the natural anticoagulant proteins particularly protein C. Meningococcal sepsis is the most common cause, followed by pneumococcal sepsis in adults. The syndrome is associated with more than 50% mortality secondary to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and is accompanied by long-term morbidity. Necrotic lesions usually progress to distal ischemia, and skin grafting and extremities or limb amputation are often required. Early antibiotic administration and intensive care management according to the recommendations of severe sepsis and shock is crucial for patients' survival. Adjuvant therapies against inflammatory and coagulation cascades and augmenting fibrinolysis are still controversial and need further assessment. Among them activated protein C and supplementation therapy have given promising results.