Surgical treatment of extensive skin necrosis secondary to purpura fulminans in a patient with meningococcal sepsis

Burns. 1998 May;24(3):272-4. doi: 10.1016/s0305-4179(97)00120-4.

Abstract

Meningococcal sepsis is associated with a high mortality rate. These patients may show severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and skin necrosis. There is very little published experience regarding the surgical treatment of this complication. The similarity between skin necrosis secondary to DIC and full thickness cutaneous burns provides the rationale for its treatment as if it was a deep burn. We report the surgical treatment of extensive skin necrosis in a patient with meningococcal sepsis and DIC. This treatment is similar to that used in full thickness burns, including excision of necrotic tissue and coverage with autografts, as well as amputation of extremities if distal coverage is not possible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • IgA Vasculitis / complications*
  • Leg / surgery
  • Male
  • Meningococcal Infections / complications*
  • Necrosis
  • Reoperation
  • Sepsis / complications*
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases / etiology
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / surgery*
  • Skin Transplantation*