Meningococcemia

Question 1

Meningococcemia clinical presentation

Answer 1

Usually 3-4 days post exposure
Sudden fever, HA, N/V, stiff neck and rash with non-blanching purpuric lesions (larger and bluer than pinpoint petechiae in thrombocytopenia)

Question 2

Purpura fulminans

Answer 2

Waterhouse Friederichsen with massive bleeding into skin and hemorrhagic destruction of adrenal glands

Question 3

Dx of Meningococemia

Answer 3

Often CSF, but can biopsy skin lesions for culture (not affected by previously given antibiotics)

Question 4

DDx of Meningococcemia

Answer 4

RMSF, Toxic shock xyndrome, Henoch-schonlein, leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Question 5

Etiology of Meningococcemia

Answer 5

Nisseria meningitidis (diplococci) and its endotoxins

Question 6

Prophylaxis if directly exposed to pt with Meningococcemia

Answer 6

Rifampin, cipro, or ceftriaxone