Hernández Blanco A, González Montero R, Urán Moreno MM, Caturla Martínez-Moratalla J, Moya Benavent M. [Post-varicella purpura fulminans: potentially fatal].
An Pediatr (Barc) 2009;
70:379-82. [PMID:
19268637 DOI:
10.1016/j.anpedi.2008.11.018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although varicella is usually a benign disease, some of its complications, such as post-varicella purpura fulminans, can be fatal. Its pathophysiological mechanism is caused by the production of antibodies to protein C and protein S in the coagulation cascade. This could have fatal consequences for those patients with partial deficiency of these proteins that develop disseminated intravascular coagulation. Treatment is symptomatic: fresh frozen plasma to treat protein depletion, antithrombin III and heparinization against thrombus formation, and anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids). However, new therapies, such as prostaglandin E1 IV and prostacyclin, are being introduced.
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