Fatal Pseudomonas septicemia and vasculitis in a premature infant.
A characteristic vasculitis is an uncommon but well-recognized complication of severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the neonate. Although it is one of the most common gram-negative organisms responsible for overall nosocomial infection, it is a rare cause of intrauterine or intrapartum infection of the newborn. We describe a fatal Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection occurring in a very premature infant with widespread skin necrosis. Although this organism is relatively uncommon in the neonate, premature infants are at increased risk of infection, with a significant associated mortality. Early recognition and treatment are therefore very important.
Hughes
J R
JR
Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, England, UK.
Newbould
M
M
du Vivier
A W
AW
Greenough
A
A
D016470:Bacteremia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology; D013909:Thorax