Subject | Contents |
Definition | Meningococcemia is an acute (sudden onset) infection of the bloodstream and subsequent vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis . |
Alternative Names | Meningococcal septicemia; Meningococcal blood poisoning; Meningococcal bacteremia or bacterial in the blood |
Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Neisseria meningitidis frequently lives in the upper respiratory tract with no evidence of illness. Some event is thought to trigger the onset of aggressive behavior of the organism and sporadic cases of meningococcemia and meningococcal meningitis appear. Family members and those closely exposed to an infected individual are at increased risk. The infection occurs more frequently in winter and early spring. It is transmitted from person-to-person by respiratory droplets. |
Symptoms | Symptoms may be very few at first, and can include: Fever Petechial rash Irritability Anxious appearing Later symptoms and signs can include: Appears acutely ill Changing level of consciousness Shock Large areas of hemorrhage and/or thrombosis under the skin |
Signs and tests | CBC with differential Blood culture Gram stain of positive culture Skin biopsy and Gram stain Urinalysis Clotting studies ( PT , PTT ) |
Treatment | Patients are often admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Intensive monitoring and treatment are needed. Supportive measures for shock include: IV fluids Ventilatory support Medical support of blood pressure Medications include intravenous (IV) antibiotics to eliminate the infection, and high doses of corticosteroids for shock (must be given early). Clotting factors or platelet replacement may be needed if bleeding disorders develop. Other treatments: Wound care for thrombosed areas of skin Respiratory isolation for first 24 hours, to avoid spread to other patients |
Support Groups | |
Expectations (prognosis) | Early treatment results in a good outcome. When shock develops, the outcome is more guarded. Profound shock, DIC (a severe bleeding disorder ), and adrenal collapse all predispose the patient to a poor prognosis with possibility of a death. The absence of meningitis tends to have a poorer prognosis. |
Complications | Profound shock Limb loss secondary to clots (thrombosis) Irreversible shock Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy ( DIC )Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndromeArthritis Cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the skin)Pericarditis |
Calling your health care provider | Call your health care provider immediately or go to the emergency room if your child has symptoms suggestive of meningococcemia. |
Prevention | Prophylaxis (preventive antibiotics) for family members and contacts are often recommended. Speak with you health care provider about this option. |
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