Abstract

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a rapidly progressing clinical syndrome of haematologic and cutaneous manifestations accompanied by an underlying dysfunction of coagulation resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It is a life threatening haematologic emergency characterized by extensive skin necrosis with haemorrhagic infarction, hypotension and gangrene which may arise from severe sepsis, mostly gram negative organisms. Some gram positive organisms and viral infections have been implicated in the aetiology of PF. We reported a case of purpura fulminans in a 2 year old boy with severe sepsis and peripheral gangrene from gram positive coccus (Staphylococcus aureus). Even though we were faced with limitations in terms of laboratory support and parental financial constraints in the management of the patient; he survived mainly on supportive care and antibiotics.

Keywords: Sepsis, Purpura fulminans, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)