Two cases of meningococcal purpura fulminans: The 'less is more' approach

Abstract

This study presents a case series of patients with meningococcal purpura fulminans who were treated at a tertiary referral centre within a few days of each other. Presenting with signs and symptoms of florid meningococcal sepsis, they were managed initially by physicians and intensivists, whereas the development of large purpuric areas and tissue necrosis was managed expectantly by plastic surgeons. When the patients were deemed to have recovered clinically and the necrosis delineated, surgical management was implemented with subsequent involvement of various rehabilitation services. This article highlights the cases of two patients, and their clinical presentation, management and rehabilitation together with a current literature review on this area.