Sepsis-induced purpura fulminans caused by Pasteurella multocida. (19th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borges, Lisa; Oliveira, Nelson; Cássio, Isabel; Costa, Humberto
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-02-19
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-202441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 52-year-old man was admitted with a cutaneous rash associated with septic shock and multiorganic failure, 6 days after a dog bite. He was started on empiric antibiotherapy and supportive measures. The patient's condition aggravated, with need for invasive mechanical ventilation and intermittent haemodialysis, and evolution from a petechiae-like rash to purpura and gangrene, culminating in bilateral lower limb amputation. The blood cultures revealed only Pasteurella multocida, after 10 days of incubation. P multocida infection is a rare cause of soft tissue infection that subsides with oral antibiotherapy. Infections causing sepsis are rare and appear in immunocompromised patients. Purpura fulminans induced by sepsis is a rare, life-threatening disorder. This syndrome should be recognised promptly, so early treatment is instituted. We found no case reports of purpura fulminans caused by Pasteurella infections in our literature review.