Meningococcal Sepsis in Children

Meningococcal sepsis is also called meningococcemia, which means that the bacteria has invaded the bloodstream. The organism that causes this life-threatening illness is called Neisseria meningitidis (or N. meningitidis). All children between the ages of infancy to college freshman are considered at risk according to Meningitis Angels, the largest meningitis and meningococcal disease awareness and education organization in the world.

Symptoms

• Early symptoms of meningococcal sepsis in children include fever, irritability, headache and stiff neck. The same bacterium also causes meningitis. Some children develop meningitis which then progresses to sepsis. Later symptoms are confusion, rash and bruising. The rash is a purplish red and can sometimes develop right before your eyes. Once the bacteria is in the blood, it begins to attack organs and cause internal bleeding. This type of sepsis can be fatal in a matter of a few hours after the first onset of symptoms. If your child or someone you know shows symptoms of meningococcal infection, get him to an emergency room. Early detection is the only chance to save his life.

Cause

• The bacteria that causes meningococcal sepsis lives in the respiratory passages of some people without causing illness and without their knowledge. It can be spread to a susceptible child by respiratory droplet when that person coughs or sneezes. There are several strains of N. meningitidis which means that it is possible to strike an individual more than once.

Diagnostics and Treatment

• Upon arrival to the emergency room, diagnostic tests will include blood tests to check for the presence of the organism in the blood and for the body's response to infection. Blood will also be examined for evidence of internal bleeding which happens as the organs are attacked by bacteria. Spinal fluid and urine will be examined as well for the presence of N. meningitidis. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are started immediately and any emergency support is provided. Patients with meningococcal sepsis are admitted to the intensive care unit to be monitored closely during the acute phase of this dangerous infection.

Complications

• When a child survives meningococcal sepsis, there still may be some complications. The attack on the organs diminished blood flow to the limbs and may require amputations and skin grafting. Arthritis and inflammation around the heart may also result.

Prevention

• Good handwashing is important for everyone and is especially so after sneezing or coughing. Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow to keep your hands clean. Teach children this practice. A vaccine is available that prevents most strains of the organism causing meningococcal sepsis. There are vaccine preparations available for babies, children and teens. Talk to your doctor about vaccination.