Pierson DM. Case study of fulminant meningococcal septicemia diagnosed in a twenty-year-old woman with bulimia nervosa.
Heart Lung 1997;
26:492-500. [PMID:
9431495 DOI:
10.1016/s0147-9563(97)90043-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fulminant meningococcal septicemia accounts for 5% to 10% of patients with meningococcemia; it is rapidly progressive and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The highest meningococcal incidence is found in the 6- to 20-month-old age group; whereas immunoincompetence is suggested in adults with the condition. Coincidentally, eating disorders are purported to be the most prevalent psychiatric or behavioral disturbance affecting adolescents, and studies indicate that vulnerability to infectious disease may be present in this group as a result of a subclinical malnutrition state. I report a case of fulminant meningococcal septicemia in a patient with a comorbid eating disorder of bulimia nervosa, who had a tumultuous disease course, and with rapid and aggressive management of her condition--an impressive recovery.
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