Purpura Fulminans – A Rapidly Progressive Coagulopathic Emergency Across The Lifespan
Indunil Karunarathna, Consultant Anaesthetist, Head of the Department, T H Polonnaruwa, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, posted on LinkedIn:
”Purpura fulminans is a rare but profoundly life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by explosive onset of microvascular thrombosis, hemorrhagic infarction of the skin, and, in many cases, disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although it may present in neonates, children, or adults, its pathobiology varies widely according to the underlying mechanism and is classically categorized into neonatal, idiopathic/post-infectious, and acute infectious forms.
Despite distinct etiologies – including genetic deficiencies of natural anticoagulants, autoimmune destruction of protein S, or consumptive coagulopathy in severe sepsis – the final common pathway is a catastrophic imbalance in hemostasis favoring uncontrolled coagulation.
Clinically, patients rapidly progress from erythematous lesions to purpuric patches, hemorrhagic bullae, and full-thickness necrosis, often accompanied by multiorgan dysfunction.
Early recognition, rapid workup for infection and coagulopathy, and immediate initiation of targeted therapy – including anticoagulation, protein C replacement, antimicrobial therapy, immunomodulation, and surgical debridement – are essential to improve survival.
Although modern intensive care has reduced mortality, survivors frequently experience permanent disability, making purpura fulminans a condition that demands high clinical vigilance and an integrated, multidisciplinary response.”
Read the full article here.
Title: Purpura Fulminans A Rapidly Progressive Coagulopathic Emergency Across The Lifespan
Author: Indunil Karunarathna
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