We describe a case of purpura fulminans due to MWS with asplenia, and we propose screening and prophylaxis to prevent invasive pneumococcal infection. Purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressive syndrome… Click to show full abstract
We describe a case of purpura fulminans due to MWS with asplenia, and we propose screening and prophylaxis to prevent invasive pneumococcal infection. Purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressive syndrome of intravascular thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarction of the skin. The most common infectious etiology is Neisseria meningitidis sepsis, and less commonly it has been documented as a complication of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae. In children who are otherwise healthy, splenic dysfunction is a significant predisposing factor for invasive pneumococcal infection. We present the case of a 10-month-old girl with a history of developmental delay, who developed an overwhelming infection complicated by purpura fulminans and was found to have previously undiagnosed Mowat-Wilson syndrome with anatomic asplenia. We propose screening patients with clinical features suggestive of Mowat-Wilson syndrome for asplenia to evaluate the need for additional preventive care.
               
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