Purpura Fulminans: Report of a case successfully treated with heparin and hydrocortisone Review of 50 cases from the literature

Acute purpura fulminans-a rare cause of skin necrosis: A single-institution clinicopathological experience

BACKGROUND

Purpura fulminans, an uncommon syndrome of intravascular thrombosis with hemorrhagic infarction of the skin, is often accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multi-organ failure, and may ultimately lead to death.

METHODS

Herein, we document 13 skin biopsies from 11 adult patients with the clinical diagnosis of sepsis and confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of intravascular thrombosis and/or DIC, compatible with acute infectious purpura fulminans (AIPF). Detailed history and clinical examination were performed, and the lesions were correlated with histopathologic findings. Any underlying medical disease was taken into consideration.

RESULTS

There were 5 males and 6 females with lower extremity or peri-incisional purpuric skin lesions. The most important comorbidities identified were a history of surgical procedure or neoplasm, although 4 patients had no relevant underlying history. Most skin biopsies revealed focal epidermal ischemia or necrosis and 3 showed full-thickness epidermal necrosis. In the underlying dermis, there were fibrin thrombi in superficial and deep blood vessels with acute inflammation. Changes of an inflammatory destructive vasculitis were identified in 5 cases. No bacteria or fungi were identified on histopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

AIPF is a rapidly-progressing medical emergency which may be identified by histopathology in culture-negative cases. Biopsies may show neutrophilic infiltrate without infective organisms.

Purpura fulminans in an adult patient with Haemophilus influenzae sepsis: case report and review of the literature

Purpura fulminans is a rare complication of a coagulopathy or an infection. Haemophilus influenzae infection, which has decreased since the haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine was initiated, is an unusual initiating cause of purpura fulminans. This case is the first reported in the literature of an adult who developed purpura fulminans after Haemophilus influenzae sepsis. Her elevated beta2 glycoprotein 1 ratio may have contributed to the severity of her disease. Although rare, Haemophilus influenzae may precipitate purpura fulminans. Current therapy is directed at control of precipitating factors, removal of nonviable tissue, treatment of secondary infections, and physiologic support. There also is evidence that patients respond well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with decreasing limb and tissue loss.

Surgical interventions in children with meningococcal purpura fulminans--a review of 117 procedures in 21 children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

There are few reports describing the surgical management and outcome of children suffering purpura fulminans secondary to meningococcal sepsis. New Zealand is in the grips of a meningococcal epidemic, and, with the attendant sequalae of the disease process, the authors sought to formally review the children who have required surgical involvement.

METHODS

A retrospective case review of children with the sequalae of meningococcal disease presenting to the Orthopedic and Plastic Surgical Units in a university teaching hospital was undertaken.

RESULTS

There were 117 procedures in 21 children performed over a 12-year period. Surgical management was separated into 2 phases-early and late. The mean delay from admission with acute sepsis to the first surgical procedure (ie, early intervention) was 15.9 days. Debridement and autologous skin grafting was the mainstay of managing the necrotic defects; however, allograft skin proved a useful adjunct as a physiologic dressing. Local flaps were used with deep defects down to bone, but in the extremities amputation to viable tissue was required once gangrene was demarcated. Amputations were carried out in 9 of 21 children. Late interventions were related to relief of contractures or fibula overgrowth causing stump ulceration. Clinical follow-up showed that all children interviewed over 5 years of age (9 children) attend ordinary regular school classes and were physically active within the context of their physical disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The data would suggest that children requiring surgery for purpura fulminans achieve age-appropriate milestones and are primarily limited by their physical disability related to amputations, scarring, and abnormal bone growth.

Acute Infectious Purpura Fulminans: A 15-Year Retrospective Review of 28 Consecutive Cases

Acute infectious purpura fulminans (AIPF) is a rare syndrome of hemorrhagic infarction of the skin, extremity loss, and intravascular thrombosis. It progresses rapidly and is accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation and vascular collapse. The victims often succumb to the disease. Our objective was to investigate the clinical manifestations, outline the clinical course, and delineate factors related to mortality among the patients with AIPF. Patients diagnosed with AIPF over a 15-year period were reviewed retrospectively for patient history, comorbid conditions, progression of clinical course, and medical and surgical management. The vast majority of the patients were under the age of 7; however, the disease process can be seen in adults. The overall mortality rate was 43 per cent. The major predisposing factors were history of recent upper respiratory infection, recent surgery or childbirth, young age, and absence of a spleen. The most common clinical manifestations were skin discoloration, disseminated intravascular coagulation, fever, and septic shock. The most common bacteria cultures were Neisseria meningitidis, Hemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. There appears to be a higher mortality in patients who did not undergo a surgical intervention. Compartment syndrome needs to be evaluated early on in the presentation. Rapid diagnosis, intensive care unit management, and prompt surgical consultation and debridement may decrease the mortality.

Review of management of purpura fulminans and two case reports

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a haemorrhagic condition usually associated with sepsis or previous infection. Features include tissue necrosis, small vessel thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Gram-negative organisms are the commonest cause of the acute infectious type, which is often associated with multi-organ failure. An idiopathic variety, however, is often confined to the skin. The mortality rate has decreased with better treatment of secondary infections, supportive care and new treatments, but it remains a disabling condition often requiring major amputations. We describe two cases and review the various treatments for this condition.

Reconstructive surgery in children after meningococcal purpura fulminans

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a serious, often life-threatening disease. As more children are surviving their disease, surgeons are presented with increasing numbers of multiple and complicated wounds as sequelae of PF. The purpose of this paper is to review the management of nine cases of PF, and present the reconstruction method in treating bilateral exposed elbow and knee joints.

METHODS

All cases of pediatric patients with PF and treated by the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery between 1986 and 1998 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven children (78%) had meningococcal PF, and one (11%) had PF after Haemophilus influenza septicemia. PF developed in one (11%) but with no growth in either blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Five children (56%) required amputation procedures. Two children (22%) required knee disarticulation. Two patients (22%) had free myocutaneous flap transfers for bone coverage. One (11%) had PF involving the face.

CONCLUSIONS

Meningococcal PF is a rare, often life-threatening disease generally of childhood. More children are surviving their diseases but with devastating sequelae. Successful reconstructive treatment outcome of these children requires a multidisciplinary team approach involving multiple specialties. The goal is to preserve function, maintain maximal length, and salvage limbs when possible. Flexibility and innovation are necessary in treating these multiple and complicated wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the pediatric patient: the experience of the Israel Naval Medical Institute

The pediatric patient is to be found in hyperbaric facilities throughout the world, receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy for both life-threatening and chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To review the experience accumulated at the Israel Naval Medical Institute in the treatment of pediatric patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis and review of all records of patients younger than age 18 years.

RESULTS

Between 1980 and 1997, 139 pediatric patients age 2 months to 18 years (mean, 7.7 years) received HBO treatment at the Israel Naval Medical Institute. Of the children, 111 (79%) suffered from acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; 13 (9.2%) were treated after crush injury, traumatic ischemia, or compartment syndrome; 4 (2.8%) had clostridial myonecrosis; 1 (0.7%) had necrotizing fasciitis; 5 (3.6%) had refractory osteomyelitis; 2 (1.4%) had suffered massive air embolism; 2 (1.4%) had purpura fulminans; and 1 (0.7%) suffered from decompression sickness. Outcome, judged by neurologic sequelae, mortality, and extent of soft tissue loss and limb amputation, was favorable in 129 patients (93%). Two patients (1.4%) died, 1 as a result of CO poisoning and the other, gas gangrene; 2 of the patients in the CO group (1.4%) remained with neurologic sequelae, and 6 patients in the acute traumatic ischemia group (4.3%) underwent limb amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

We had a favorable experience with 129 of a total 139 pediatric patients treated at our facility for the indications listed. A basic knowledge of HBO therapy is needed to refer the pediatric patient for treatment when indicated. The needs of the pediatric patient, especially the critically ill, require specific skills and equipment inside the hyperbaric chamber. Close collaboration between the pediatrician and the hyperbaric medicine physician is essential to ensure adequate care for infants and children.

Purpura in infants and children

Hemorrhage into the skin (purpura) may result from abnormalities in any of the three components of hemostasis: platelets, plasma coagulation factors, and blood vessels. The morphology, size, and distribution of the hemorrhagic lesions are helpful diagnostic features. The main causes of purpura in the newborn and the more common hemorrhagic disorders in children are reviewed.

Postinfectious purpura fulminans caused by an autoantibody directed against protein S

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mechanism responsible for idiopathic purpura fulminans, we investigated the procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways in five consecutive patients, four after varicella, and the fifth after a nonspecific infection.

METHODS

Procoagulant and anticoagulant factors, including protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III, were measured by quantitative or functional assays. Anti-protein S autoantibodies were identified by dot blotting and Western blotting, and quantified serially by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical and laboratory data were collated retrospectively.

RESULTS

In each case the disease began 7 to 10 days after the onset of the precipitating infection, with rapidly progressive purpura leading to extensive areas of skin necrosis. The illness was complicated by impaired perfusion of limbs or digits (two patients), peripheral gangrene resulting in an above-knee amputation (one patient), and major organ dysfunction caused by thromboembolic phenomena involving the lungs (two patients), the heart (one patient), or the kidneys (one patient). Protein S levels were virtually undetectable at the time of admission and failed to respond to infusions of fresh frozen plasma, despite correction of other procoagulant and anticoagulant factors. All five children had anti-protein S IgM and IgG autoantibodies, which persisted for less than 3 months after admission. Decline in the anti-protein S IgG antibody concentration was associated with normalization of the plasma protein S levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Autoimmune protein S deficiency may be a common mechanism causing postinfectious idiopathic purpura fulminans. Recognition of the pathophysiologic mechanism may provide a rational basis for treatment. Immediate heparinization, infusions of fresh frozen plasma, and, in cases complicated by major vessel thrombosis, the use of tissue-type plasminogen activator may limit thromboembolic complications.

The surgical implications of purpura fulminans

Purpura fulminans is an uncommon catastrophic syndrome that occurs in children, typically one to four weeks after a seemingly benign infectious process. The child usually presents with a high fever, purpuric ecchymosis, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and gangrene of the extremities. We have recently treated six children, whose mean age was 22 months; three were male and three were female. Five of the six had a change of mental status upon initial examination. Their mean temperature was 104 degrees F. All six children had purpuric involvement of their extremities; three had involvement of their hands, two had involvement of their faces, and two had involvement of their trunks. All had absent palpable pulses and sluggish capillary refill in the involved hands and feet. Two patients died shortly after admission as a result of severe end-stage sepsis. The platelet counts in these two patients, and the white blood cell counts were markedly depressed. The mean platelet count of the survivors was 370,000 and the mean white blood cell count was 25,000. Lumbar punctures were positive for bacterial meningitis in five patients and viral meningitis in one patient. All patients were treated with intravenous heparin. Of the four survivors, two lost significant tissue and required multiple plastic reconstructive procedures, and two improved on heparin alone with no tissue loss. In addition to systemic support and intravenous antibiotics, the mainstay of treatment is one of immediate heparinization and a continuous heparin drip. Heparin prevents subsequent small vessel thrombosis and limits tissue loss due to ongoing purpura. Conservative management of the purpuric lesions is the treatment of choice until final demarcation occurs.

Protein C and protein S levels in two patients with acquired purpura fulminans

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a cutaneous manifestation of a dramatic and deadly syndrome of systemic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It is characterized by microvascular thrombosis in the dermis followed by perivascular haemorrhage. Since two other related syndromes involve the protein C (PC) system, we undertook a serial study to investigate the levels of PC and protein S (PS) in two patients with acquired PF. Laboratory findings were consistent with DIC, and both patients were treated with blood replacement and heparin therapy. The levels of PC activity were very low during the initial 24-36 h after onset and gradually increased until returning to normal levels. The total and 'free' PS were also abnormal during the initial onset of PF. The total and free PS increased to normal after 4-6 d. Although the pathogenesis is not fully understood, the infection and sepsis appears to consume PC and PS selectively during the PF and DIC phase. Acquired PF appears to selectively involve the PC system in a similar fashion to two other syndromes of PF-like lesions.

Purpura fulminans

Purpura fulminans is a rare disease that typically begins as a benign infectious process and subsequently progresses to severe sepsis, hypotension, purpura ecchymosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We present an unusual case of an adult who was seen initially with pneumococcal sepsis that subsequently developed into purpura fulminans with major extremity involvement. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in the treatment of this often catastrophic disease.

Homozygous protein C deficiency in two siblings

Homozygous protein C (PC) deficiency is reported in two siblings (girl and boy) who received their proper diagnoses at the ages of 7 4/12 and 1 3/12 years respectively. The girl had perinatal asphyxia without bleeding. At 1 year of age she developed purpura fulminans. Treatment with heparin and plasma was successful. At 7 4/12 years she developed tender, bluish nonnecrotic skin changes after an orthopedic operation. The PC level was 0.08 U/ml. The boy had had a large intraventricular hemorrhage neonatally and developed severe brain damage. At 1 3/12 years he manifested the same skin changes as his sister and was treated similarly. The PC level was 0.05 U/ml. Both children now receive warfarin continuously and are essentially free of symptoms. The cases represent homozygous phenotypes in a family with a recessive trait of PC deficiency without thrombotic disease. The cases also show that severe PC deficiency may be compatible with life beyond infancy without any specific therapy.

Diagnosis and treatment of homozygous protein C deficiency. Report of the Working Party on Homozygous Protein C Deficiency of the Subcommittee on Protein C and Protein S, International Committee on Thrombosis and Haemostasis

This report summarizes the documented cases of homozygous protein C deficiency in the United States and Europe. Procedures for diagnosing and treating this disorder (both initially and over the long term) have been compiled by a working party on homozygous protein C deficiency of the Subcommittee on Protein C of the International Committee on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Homozygous protein C deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder that usually manifests itself by purpura fulminans and, less commonly, by massive large vein thrombosis; severe diffuse intravascular coagulation also develops in these infants, and there is evidence of intrauterine thrombosis. For confirmation of homozygous protein C deficiency in a neonate with purpura fulminans or massive venous thrombosis, the infant should have undetectable protein C activity and both parents should be heterozygous for protein C deficiency. At the onset of symptoms, the initial treatment should be plasma (8 to 12 ml/kg every 12 hours) until all lesions have healed. Two modalities for long-term treatment are accepted as useful in these children: oral anticoagulant therapy or protein C replacement (fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate). Liver transplantation has been performed in only one child, with success. Oral anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonists, maintaining the prothrombin time from one and one-half to two times control values or at the International Normalized Ratio of 2.5 to 4.4) is our recommendation of choice for long-term treatment. With appropriate care, these children are able to be free of coagulopathy and live relatively normal lives.

Varicella gangrenosa

A four year old girl presented with varicella gangrenosa, and haematological investigations showed a disseminated intravascular coagulation. The child subsequently developed a unilateral deep venous thrombosis. She was treated with oral steroids and intravenous heparin and made a full recovery.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), resulting in an acute bleeding diathesis, is always a secondary complication of an underlying disease. Coagulation triggered by the primary process causes consumption of clotting factors and platelets, and ischemic damage secondary to fibrin deposition. Concurrent activation of the fibrinolytic system results in additional clotting factor consumption and the production of fibrin-degradation products (FDP). The combination of decreased clotting factors, FDP, and thrombocytopenia may ultimately culminate in a bleeding diathesis. The balance between the thrombotic and hemorrhagic processes results in a constellation of signs and symptoms. Diagnosis depends on an awareness of predisposing pathologic states and the application of appropriate laboratory tests. Therapy consists of treating the underlying disease and temporizing with an appropriate replacement therapy. Heparin infusion may be of benefit under certain circumstances. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of DIC, including new laboratory tests and experimental therapy, are reviewed.

Inherited protein C deficiency and coumarin-responsive chronic relapsing purpura fulminans in a newborn infant

A coumarin-responsive chronic relapsing purpura fulminans syndrome is described in a protein-C-deficient newborn infant. Episodes of acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and cutaneous gangrene, which first appeared at age 11 h, were effectively controlled for 28 months with transfusions of fresh-frozen plasma. Cryoprecipitate and cryoprecipitate-poor plasma induced remissions as long as those induced by fresh-frozen plasma (less than or equal to 72 h). Coumarins sustained a cryoprecipitate-induced remission for 19 days: they were then electively discontinued and 17 h later the patient had an acute exacerbation of DIC with haemorrhaging. Family studies showed protein C levels of 31-40% in the subject's symptom-free mother and full and half brothers. DIC, the coumarin effect, and the inherited protein C abnormality appear to have contributed to the extremely low plasma levels (less than or equal to 6%) of protein C in the patient. This experience suggests that protein C deficiency may greatly compromise the ability of newborn infants to control consumptive disorders.

Purpura fulminans

Purpura fulminans presents as a catastrophic illness with gangrene of the distal extremities and necrosis of skin. The clinical picture consists of septicemia, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The Shwartzman and Arthus reactions are thought to be responsible for the pathogenesis of purpura fulminans. The exact mechanisms of these reactions are not completely understood. Immediate resuscitation is the treatment for shock and sepsis. Heparin is recommended to reverse the disseminated intravascular coagulation component of this disease. Surviving patients require treatment of skin necrosis and digital and extremity gangrene. The former are managed in a fashion similar to the management of burns. Amputation should be delayed until maximal collateral circulation has developed. A series of 10 patients is presented and 58 cases from the literature are analyzed.

Purpura fulminans

Purpura fulminans is a rare disease characterized by cutaneous ecchymosis, hypotension and fever associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. It usually follows a preparatory infectious illness. A case in a 55 year old woman challenges the concept that this disease is limited to childhood. A review of 100 case reports is presented in which the often quoted high mortality of 90 per cent is found to be no longer tenable.

Purpura fulminans with haemolytic anaemia

A 10-month-old female infant with purpura fulminans is reported. The patient had clotting abnormality compatible with consumption coagulopathy. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of microthrombi. Heparin was effective in correcting the clotting defects. The infant also suffered from microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. She died 17 days after the onset of the illness from infection in spite of antibiotic therapy.

Effect of injected heparin on platelet levels in man

Platelets from six normal subjects were labelled with radiochromate and reinfused into their donors. Subsequently, the effect of intravenously injected heparin upon the levels of circulating platelets and platelet radioactivity was studied. Although reductions in platelet counts occurred in three subjects following single injections of 10,000 units, these changes were not reflected in the levels of circulating platelet radioactivity. It is concluded that the alterations in platelet counts observed were probably due to an effect of heparin in vitro. The experimental evidence that heparin induces thrombocytopenia in vivo, in man, is unconvincing.