Ecthyma gangrenosum in a premature low-birth-weight newborn

Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a well-recognised cutaneous infection in critically ill and immunocompromised patients. It is commonly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicaemia. Classic lesions of ecthyma gangrenosum comprise deep ulcers with ecchymotic, gangrenous centres, bright red areolae and typical raised, purplish, indurated, rolled-out edges. We report ecthyma gangrenosum in a premature low-birth-weight neonate, delivered at home to a third gravida mother with history of chorioamnionitis. He was admitted to a private hospital on third day of life, with a diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis and received multiple antibiotics over next 22 days. The infant was referred to the paediatrics emergency department of Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University in a condition of shock, pneumonitis and generalised sepsis. Two gangrenous ulcers with gray-black eschar were present, one over the neck and another over the back. He was diagnosed as a case of neonatal sepsis with ecthyma gangrenosum. Blood culture revealed growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, sensitive only to imipenem. The infant died the day following admission.