Meningococcal Septicaemia

Question 1

Define Meningococcal Septicaemia

Answer 1

Defined by two things, infection of the meninges and infection of the blood. This effects spinal fluid, causing stiffness, fever and headache. The sepsis refers to the bacterial toxins that rupture blood vessels and cause organ failure. Characterised by a red purpuric rash.

Question 2

Symptoms of Meningococcal Septicaemia

Answer 2

• Purpuric rash that is non blanching (extremely late sign outcome is not good)
• Sepsis like signs
• headache
• fever
• joint pain
• hypotension
• tachycardia
• altered conscious state

Question 3

Management of Meningococcal Septicaemia

Answer 3

• PPE
• Consider MICA
• Oxygen
• Have to see the rash to administer Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg IM (1g max)
• Older than 6yrs = full dose
• Draw up dose with 3.5ml of lignocaine 1%
• Notify receiving hospital