Immunoadsorption therapy for a meningococcemia patient with myocarditis, adrenal hemorrhage, and purpura fulminans: a case report

Abstract Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, is a relatively uncommon cause of invasive infection, but when it occurs, it is frequently severe and potentially life-threatening. A ten-year-old female patient developed a purpuric rash with fever. Upon arrival to the pediatric intensive care department, she was unconscious and in a poor general condition. We combined treatment with antibiotics, volume resuscitation, hydrocortisone, and CytoSorb® therapy resulted in a stabilization of hemodynamics, as well as control of hyperinflammation. We observed a significant decrease in vasopressor dosage in this patient.

Immunoadsorption therapy for a meningococcemia patient with myocarditis, adrenal hemorrhage, and purpura fulminans: a case report.

Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, is a relatively uncommon cause of invasive infection, but when it occurs, it is frequently severe and potentially life-threatening. A ten-year-old female patient developed a purpuric rash with fever. Upon arrival to the pediatric intensive care department, she was unconscious and in a poor general condition. We combined treatment with antibiotics, volume resuscitation, hydrocortisone, and CytoSorb.½ therapy resulted in a stabilization of hemodynamics, as well as control of hyperinflammation. We observed a significant decrease in vasopressor dosage in this patient.

The importance of the postmortem interval for the diagnosis of Waterhouse­Friderichsen syndrome by Neisseria meningitidis in a series of forensic cases

The effective value of microbiological post-mortem examinations stands as fundamental in forensic cases involving microbiology. We ran these analyses on five victims, who suddenly died after showing persistent fever. The examinations were conducted between 48 hours and 10 days after death, and adrenal gland apoplexy was detected in all the cases. Microbiological examinations identified Neisseria meningitidis, which was accountable for Waterhouse­Friderichsen syndrome. Diplococci were isolated from three cadavers that underwent forensic dissection between 2 and 3 days after death. The remaining two cadavers showed polymicrobial contamination, and a polymerase chain reaction technique was necessary to identify the pathogen. We assumed that the microbial overlap could lead to diagnostic mistakes and conceal the identification of the lethal pathogen. Therefore, we suggest using molecular techniques for a postmortem interval (PMI) longer than 72 hours. Classical microbiological examination should be performed for PMI within 72 hours.

The importance of the postmortem interval for the diagnosis of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome by Neisseria meningitidis in a series of forensic cases.

The effective value of microbiological post-mortem examinations stands as fundamental in forensic cases involving microbiology. We ran these analyses on five victims, who suddenly died after showing persistent fever. The examinations were conducted between 48 hours and 10 days after death, and adrenal gland apoplexy was detected in all the cases. Microbiological examinations identified Neisseria meningitidis, which was accountable for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. Diplococci were isolated from three cadavers that underwent forensic dissection between 2 and 3 days after death. The remaining two cadavers showed polymicrobial contamination, and a polymerase chain reaction technique was necessary to identify the pathogen. We assumed that the microbial overlap could lead to diagnostic mistakes and conceal the identification of the lethal pathogen. Therefore, we suggest using molecular techniques for a postmortem interval (PMI) longer than 72 hours. Classical microbiological examination should be performed for PMI within 72 hours.

Síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen por Staphylococcus haemolyticus / Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome by Staphylococcus haemolyticus / Síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen por Staphylococcus haemolyticus

Resumen: Presentamos el caso de una paciente afectada por un síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen presentando falla orgánica múltiple y datos en relación a insuficiencia suprarrenal aguda, el cual fue fulminante y se concluyó secundario a Staphylococcus haemolyticus.

Abstract: We present the case of a patient affected by a Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome presenting multiple organ failure and data in relation to acute adrenal insufficiency, which was fulminant and was concluded secondary to Staphylococcus haemolyticus.

Resumo: Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen que apresentou falência múltipla de órgãos e dados em relação à insuficiência supra-renal aguda, que foi fulminante e concluiu-se que foi secundária ao Staphylococcus haemolyticus.

Prevalência de sepse e fatores de risco em neonatos de unidade de terapia intensiva de referência em Palmas,Tocantins, Brasil / Prevalence of sepsis and risk factors in newborns from intensive care unit of reference in Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil

As infecções microbianas neonatais, especialmente as sepses, correspondem a uma das causas mais importantes de morbimortalidade em unidades de terapia intensiva e sua prevalência é maior naqueles pacientes expostos a procedimentos invasivos. Objetivo: identificar a prevalência de sepse neonatal hospitalar, bem como os principais fatores de risco associados a esta infecção e os microrganismos envolvidos. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo revisando as fichas de investigação epidemiológica do Serviço de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar com dados dos recém-nascidos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva de referência estadual do Tocantins, no período de julho de 2007 a junho de 2009. Observou-se que 25% dos pacientes analisados desenvolveram sepse neste período, dos quais 60% foram do gênero masculino, 67% prematuros e 65% com peso ao nascer menor que 2500 gramas. Entre os fatores de risco de importância clínica, observou-se a prematuridade, baixo peso ao nascimento, ventilação mecânica, cateterismo venoso central e utilização de nutrição parenteral. A prematuridade e o peso ao nascimento foram fatores de menor risco relativo quando comparados aos demais fatores analisados. Resultados: foram identificados 111 pacientes com sepse, com taxa de mortalidade de 26%. Os principais microrganismos associados à sepse neonatal foram Klebsiella pneumoniae (28%), os Staphylococcus coagulase negativa - CoSN (20%) e Candida albicans (14%). Conclusão: os achados neste estudo reforçam a importância de ações de prevenção de infecções neonatais, bem como o manejo asséptico durante a instalação e a manutenção de procedimentos invasivos necessários aos cuidados intensivos neonatais

Neonatal bacterial infections, especially sepsis, are one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units and they are more prevalent among patients who have undergone invasive procedures. Objective: to identify the prevalence of hospital neonatal sepsis as well as the associated risks factors for this infection and the involved microorganisms. Method: a retrospective study was done going over the epidemiological investigation forms of the Service of Hospital Infection Control with data from newborns admitted in a State reference intensive care unit in Tocantins, from July 2007 to June 2009. We noticed that 25% of the analyzed patients developed sepsis and 60% were males, 67% premature and 65% with a weight at birth below 2500 grams. Among the risks factors of clinical importance we noticed, the prematurity, low birth weight, mechanical ventilation, central venous catheterization and use of parenteral nutrition. The prematurity and birth weight were lower relative risks factors in comparison with the other analyzed factors. Results: 111 patients with sepsis were found, with a mortality rate of 26%. The main microorganisms associated with neonatal sepsis were Klebsiella pneumoniae (28%), Staphylococcus coagulase negative - CoSN (20%) and Candida albicans (14%). Conclusion: the findings on this study emphasize the importance of actions for prevention of neonatal infections as well as aseptic handling during set up and maintenance of invasive procedures needed in neonatal intensive care

Caracterización clínica de los casos de enfermedad meningocóccica por serogrupo W135 confirmados durante el año 2012 en Chile / Clinical characterization of cases with meningococcal disease by W135 group in Chile, 2012

Background: During 2012 in Chile, there were 60 cases of serogroup W135 meningococcal disease, which accounts for 57.7% of identified serogroup cases. Aim: To describe main clinical features of patients with serogroup W135 meningococcal disease confirmed in 2012. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of case series based on retrospective review of medical records. Results: Male patients represented 61.7% and 46.7% were children under 5 years. At first clinical attention, 3.4% of patients were suspected of meningococcal disease, while 83.3% had meningococcemia as final diagnosis. Also at first attention, the most common symptoms or clinical signs were fever ≥ 38.0° C (60.3%), cold symptoms (52.5%), and nausea or vomiting (46.7%). Meningeal signs had a low frequency (8.7%). Diarrhea was the second most common symptom found among deceased patients (55.6%) and statistically higher than survivors (26.8%; p = 0.034). Six cases reported with sequelae: limb amputation, hearing loss or neurological damage, and mortality was 31.7%. Discussion: In 2012, serogroup W135 meningococcal disease reported high mortality, atypical clinical presentation, low initial meningococcal disease diagnosis, and a high number of cases with poor clinical course.

Introducción: En el año 2012 en Chile, se presentaron 60 casos de enfermedad meningocóccica (EM) causadas por serogrupo W135, que representa 57,7% de los casos seroagrupables. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de los casos de EM por serogrupo W135 confirmados durante el año 2012. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, de series de casos basada en la revisión de las fichas clínicas. Resultados: El 61,7% de los casos fueron varones y 46,7% tenía menos de 5 años. En la primera consulta, 3,4% tuvo sospecha de EM, en tanto 83,3% tuvo diagnóstico final de meningococcemia. En la primera consulta, los síntomas y/o signos más frecuentes fueron fiebre ≥ 38,0°C (60,3%), cuadro catarral respiratorio (52,5%) y náuseas y/o vómitos (46,7%). Mientras que los signos de irritación meníngea se presentaron en 8,7%. En los fallecidos la diarrea fue el segundo síntoma más frecuente (55,6%), y estadísticamente superior respecto de los sobrevivientes (26,8%; p = 0,034). Seis casos presentaron secuelas: amputaciones de extremidades, hipoacusia o daño neurológico y la letalidad fue de 31,7%. Discusión: la EM por el serogrupo W135 en el año 2012, tuvo una elevada letalidad, presentación clínica inespecífica, sospecha diagnóstica inicial baja y un alto número de casos cursaron con una mala evolución.

Renal small B-cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation presenting with monoclonal gammopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome.

Primary renal lymphomas are very rare. However, the kidney may be a site of metastasis, usually from a disseminated aggressive lymphoma. A 58-year-old woman was brought to the medical facility due to acute mental confusion, severe hypotension, septic shock, and signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Laboratory tests showed severe leukopenia, renal failure, altered liver function, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. Protein electrophoresis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia with a monoclonal peak of IgG lambda. The clinical outcome was fulminant and the patient died less than 24 hours after admission. Autopsy revealed an indolent B-cell lymphoma with extensive plasmacytic differentiation infiltrating the right renal sinus and involving the submandibular and sublingual glands, cervical and peri-aortic lymph nodes, multiple microscopic foci in pituitary and adrenal glands, lung, breast, liver, thyroid, and bone marrow. Numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells were detected by immunohistochemistry although other histological features of IgG4-related disease were missing. There was also extensive hemorrhagic necrosis of the adrenal glands and purulent cystitis, which was probably responsible for the septic shock. The authors concluded that the kidney was most likely the primary site of the indolent lymphoma, as that was the site with the largest tumor mass. Infiltration of other organs was considered as dissemination of the disease. The differential diagnosis with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is discussed.

Choque séptico puerperal por Streptococcus β-hemolítico e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen / Puerperal septic shock due to β-hemolytic Streptococcus and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

É relatado caso excepcional de puérpera de 15 anos com choque séptico pelo Streptococcus beta-hemolítico do grupo A e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen, observado à necropsia. São revistos aspectos do diagnóstico, patogênese e evolução da infecção (sepse) puerperal associada à hemorragia e insuficiência das supra-renais.

An exceptional case of a 15-year-old puerpera with septic shock caused by Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is reported. The findings were observed at the necropsy. The characteristics of the diagnosis, pathogenesis and evolution of this puerperal infection (sepsis), associated with adrenal hemorrhage and insufficiency are reviewed in this paper.