[Ecthyma gangrenosum in the infant about 3 cases]

ABSTRACT

Ecthyma gangrenosum [EG] is one of the most dangerous bacterial cutaneous infections in the infant. The Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is frequently responsible. The skin localization is often associated with a bacteriemia, rares cases of primitive cutaneous localisation were described. The evolution is often fatal in case of immunodeficiency situation. The authors report 3 observations of ecthyma gangrenosum 2 months, 7 months and 18 months old. They all presented localised cutaneous erythema followed one week later by oedematous plates. These lesions evolved to necrosis and ulceration. The fever was absent in all patients and only one had a deteriorated general state. A high lymphocyte count was found in all patients. The inflammatory syndrome was inconstant. There were not any other localizations of the infection. The 3 patients were treated with cephalosporin of 3rd generation, associated in 2 cases with the gentamycin. The evolution was favourable. The early recognition of the lesions of EG and the institution of an adequate treatment often allows a favourable result in this affection