Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicating meningococcaemia.
We describe a one year old boy with meningococcaemia complicated by the adult respiratory distress syndrome. Maintenance of oxygenation required a positive end-expiratory pressure of 20 cm H2O. Resultant barotrauma produced pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Prompt recognition and treatment of this complication can reduce its high mortality rate.
Wilson
D C
DC
Intensive Care Unit, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Crean
P M
PM
Jenkins
J G
JG
D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000150:complications*; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications*