Case report 2
| A 19-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with a 1-day history of fever and malaise, followed by a rapid deterioration and collapse. Clinical examination revealed a purpuric rash over lower limbs and trunk. She was treated empirically with intravenous antibiotics and fluids, and admitted to the intensive care unit. Blood cultures subsequently confirmed meningococcal septicaemia. During admission her condition deteriorated, with a concomitant drop in platelets and a prolonged PT on her clotting profile. This was suspected as being due to disseminated intravascular coagulation and she was treated with an unfractionated heparin infusion. |