[Beta-thalassemia major complicated with Vibrio vulnificus septicemia: report of one case].
Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic Vibrio that has been isolated repeatedly from sea-water and shellfish during the warm months of the year. It's a virulent pathogen for men and is frequently associated with overwhelming infections including sepsis, gangrene of extremities and high mortality rate. We encountered a 13-year-old boy who had a history of beta-thalassemia major with secondary hemochromatosis, suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, fever and hypotension. Physical examination revealed that ecchymosis, bullae and ulceration were noted over the left leg. Vibrio vulnificus was isolated from the blood. Initially, the patient did not respond to the appropriate antibiotics treatment, subsequently surgical debridement was performed. After that, the patient recovered gradually, and discharged home after 17 days of admission. In conclusion, when patients present with sepsis and/or characteristic skin lesion-hemorrhagic bullae, particularly those with thalassemia major, hemochromatosis or underlying liver disease and a history of marine exposure, clinicians should be alerted to this potentially fatal infection and should commence appropriate assessment and treatment immediately.
Shih
Y T
YT
Department of Pediatrics, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Peng
C T
CT
Tsai
C H
CH
Tsai
F J
FJ
D000293:Adolescent; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000150:complications*; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications*