Purpura fulminans in severe congenital protein C deficiency: Monitoring of treatment with protein C concentrate

This report describes the successful use of protein C concentrate to treat severe purpura fulminans in a homozygous protein C-deficient infant for 8 months until oral anticoagulation was initiated. While fresh frozen plasma was previously used in such cases to replace protein C in the acute phase, the availability of a monoclonal antibody purified protein C concentrate now allows specific replacement of protein C, avoiding problems of fluid overload. An occlusive-hydrocolloid bandage proved to be effective in local treatment of skin lesions. D-dimer, fibrin monomer, thrombin-antithrombin complex and prothrombin fragment 1+2 were useful markers in monitoring and optimizing protein C replacement therapy.     

Homozygous protein C deficiency—management with protein C concentrate

Abstract Two unrelated female infants with homozygous protein C (Pr C) deficiency are reported. Both are of U.K. Pakistani origin and in each case the parents are consanguinous. A previous sibling had died in each family. Both sets of parents were shown to be carriers. The concentration of Pr C in both infants was low at birth. Both developed necrotic skin lesions (purpura fulminans) and responded well to Pr C concentrate. Both are developing normally although one has visual impairment due to retinal artery thrombosis which occurred before treatment was commenced. Both infants are treated with intravenous Pr C concentrate administerd daily by the parents at home. Studies of the half-life of exogenous Pr C in one of the patients has shown an increase from 2.7 to 10.8 h during the course of treatment thus enabling it to be administered once daily while still maintaining effective plasma concentrations. In the other patient half-life has fluctuated but Pr C is also given once daily. This is the first report of this condition being treated in this way in the United Kingdom.Conclusion Infusion of Pr C is a safe and efficient way of treating infants with homozygous Pr C deficiency in the medium term.     

Purpura fulminans

Seven children with purpura fulminans are reported. All were very sick and had extensive purpuric and ecchymotic skin lesions. Five of them had septicemia, one had meningitis and one had viral respiratory tract infection. The bacteria cultured were Staphylococcus aureus (1), Hemophilus influenzae (1), Pseudomonas aeroginosa (1), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1) and Neisseria meningitidis (2). Consumptive coagulopathy was present in all. Three of the seven children survived. Of the remaining four, two had fulminant meningococcemia and died within 4–5 hours of admission as also a third child with Kleb. pneumoniae septicemia. Two of the three survivors had received heparin as well as steroids apart from treatment of the infection.     

Spectrum of Purpura Fulminans

Purpura Fulminans is a severe disorder of acute onset with high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by DIC with thrombocytopenia, hyofibrinogenemia, hypothrombinemia and anemia. It most often occurs in young with sudden appearance of symmetrical, tender, ecchymotic skin lesions usually involving the lower extremities. An infectious and noninfectious etiology has been proposed. Early recognition and early therapy with appropriate antibiotics and heparin is known to limit both morbidity and mortality. This article reports 5 cases of Purpura Fulminans treated at our centre with review of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment.     

Neonatal purpura fulminans due to homozygous protein C deficiency

Severe and recurrent purpura fulminans developed in a Turkish boy at 1 week of age. Initial coagulation studies performed were compatible with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Subsequent investigations showed that the patient had homozygous and his healthy parents had heterozygous protein C deficiency. The episodes of purpura fulminans were controlled by infusions of fresh frozen plasma and heparinization. Oral anticoagulant therapy was given in the symptom-free period.     

Meningokokkensepsis und Purpura fulminans Erfolgreiche Lysetherapie mit rekombinantem Gewebeplasminogenaktivator

Summary A case of a 16 years old young man with meningococcemia, septic shock and purpura fulminans is presented. The clinical course was complicated by ischemia of both lower legs and feet as well as both cheeks. After successful restoration of circulation, the lower legs remained ischemic and loss was imminent. Therefore, fibrinolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was started: Both lower legs and feet could be preserved. All of the toes of the right foot, however, had to be amputated. Discussion: Fibrinolytic therapy with rt-PA should be considered as a therapeutic option in patients with meningococcemia and purpura fulminans with imminent loss of extremities. Optimal perfusion pressure and control of coagulation seems to be a prerequisite for successful fibrinolytic therapy. Care should be taken to avoid complications, especially intracerebral hemorrhage.      

Fulminant sepsis/meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae in a protein C-deficient heterozygote treated with activated protein C therapy

A 13-month-old Japanese female with Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis presented with unusually severe septic shock and cerebral infarction in half a day of fever. The initial therapy of plasma-derived activated protein C (Anact C) led to an impressive effect on the aggressive condition. However, purpura fulminans and the consistent decline of plasma protein C activity (<20%) required prolonged activated protein C therapy and gene analysis. The patient carried a novel heterozygous mutation of PROC (exon 4; 335 GAC>TAC, Asp46Tyr). This is the first report of infectious purpura fulminans in a protein C-deficient heterozygote. The clinical onset and treatment course adequately corroborated the aggravated immune/hemostatic reactions and the cytoprotective effects of activated protein C replacement in human heterozygous protein C deficiency. The monitoring of plasma protein C activity and sufficient administration of activated protein C product could improve the outcome of severe sepsis in children.     

口服抗凝剂治疗以新生儿暴发性紫癜或颅内出血为首发表现的遗传性复合杂合突变的重度蛋白C缺乏症2例病例报告并文献复习

背景：既往国内报道的重度遗传性蛋白C缺乏症(PCD)患儿大多放弃救治而死亡。 目的：探索口服抗凝剂对重度PCD患儿的长期救治效果。 设计：病例报告。 方法：报道并分析2例新生儿期起病的遗传性复合杂合突变的重度PCD患儿的诊断、治疗及预后,检索PubMed、中国知网和万方数据库,行文献复习。 主要结局指标：血栓或出血缓解。 结果：1例首发表现为新生儿暴发性紫癜（PF）;1例因存在继发性慢性DIC,以新生儿颅内出血、肺出血为首发表现。2例经基因测序均明确蛋白C(PROC)基因复合杂合突变。每日应用新鲜冷冻血浆及低分子肝素抗凝获得初步缓解后,分别序贯口服维生素K拮抗剂华法林或直接口服抗凝剂利伐沙班作为长期治疗,预防血栓及出血事件,随访3~6年,2例均存活至今,生存质量尚好,且无明显不良反应。 结论：重度遗传性PCD可以新生儿PF、颅内出血和肺出血为首发表现,应改变观念积极救治;华法林和利伐沙班等口服抗凝剂可以作为长期维持治疗时安全有效的选择,改善预后。     

A rare association between group A Streptococcus purpura fulminans and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in a young girl: A case report

We report the case of a 7-year-old girl with septic shock and coagulopathy associated with purpura fulminans (PF) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) due to group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection identified with 16S ribosomal RNA analysis performed on the skin biopsy. GAS infection with PF associated with DAH is rare in healthy young children but pediatricians should be aware of this condition because of the poor prognosis. The initial treatment for circulatory failure and severe disseminated intravascular coagulation as well as the prompt initiation of antibiotic treatment may be crucial for the outcomes of S. pyogenes PF.     

Purpura fulminans in a Chinese boy with congenital protein C deficiency

Severe and recurrent purpura fulminans developed in a Chinese boy at one day of age. Results of coagulation studies performed on the patient during attacks were compatible with the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Subsequent investigations have revealed that the patient is homozygous and that his parents are heterozygous for protein C deficiency. Cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma induced a remission, and administration of warfarin has been successful in preventing recurrence of attacks for as long as 8 months without infusion of any plasma components. None of the family members who are heterozygous for protein C deficiency have had thrombotic episodes.     

Successful living domino liver transplantation in a child with protein C deficiency

PC is produced in the liver and inhibits blood coagulation by catalyzing active factors V and VIII. PC deficiency causes abnormal blood clotting that is difficult to regulate by anticoagulative treatments. Four reports of PC deficiency treated with LTx have been published; however, no report of DLT as a therapy for PC deficiency is available. We describe a case of a 23‐month‐old girl who received DLT for compound heterozygous PC deficiency. Her PC activity was below 5%. She developed intracranial lesion and frequent refractory purpura fulminans. Both her parents had heterozygous mutations of PC genes and were excluded as living donors. Furthermore, she was a low priority on the waiting list of deceased‐donor transplantation. We performed living DLT using the liver from a patient with MSUD. Activated PC concentrate safely supported the perioperative period. After DLT, she maintained normal PC activities and BCAA levels. This is the first case of PC deficiency successfully treated by living DLT with MSUD. We propose that DLT using liver from patients with MSUD is a treatment option for PC deficiency.     

Long-term survival of a child with homozygous protein C deficiency successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation

Abstract:  Homozygous protein C deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder often presenting with purpura fulminans. Fresh frozen plasma and oral anticoagulation have been used in the treatment of this disease. Lately, protein C concentrate has become the treatment of choice. However, protein C concentrate is not yet widely available in many countries. We report a six-month-old girl with homozygous protein C deficiency who had suffered from frequent thrombotic episodes. She was successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation. Eight years after the transplantation, she remains symptom free. As described here, the liver transplantation offers an alternative curative treatment for children with homozygous protein C deficiency.     

Severe protein S deficiency associated with heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation in a child with purpura fulminans

Homozygous or compound heterozygous protein S (PS) deficiency is very rare in the population; only 8 patients from 6 different families have been reported. On the other hand, the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is a frequent cause of inherited prothrombotic disorder. Here the authors report a case of patient with severe PS deficiency associated with the FVL mutation who has had purpura fulminans since the age of 10 days. She is the first child of a consanguineous marriage. Her father is double heterozygous for PS deficiency and FVL mutation and has recurrent thrombosis. This is the first case of severe PS deficiency combined with the FVL mutation. This suggests the need for complete evaluation of patients with purpura fulminans for thrombotic factors.     

Diagnosis and treatment of a newborn with homozygous protein C deficiency

The case is reported of a seriously affected newborn with homozygous protein C deficiency who developed neonatal purpura fulminans. Foetal ultrasound at 33 wk of gestation revealed ventriculomegaly. The first lesions appeared on the scalp 48 h after birth. She was initially treated with fresh-frozen plasma and, after the diagnosis was confirmed, with purified protein C concentrate. After skin necrosis had healed, therapy was continued with oral warfarin. The infant was homozygous for protein C W380G mutation. Diagnosis at the DNA level gave the parents an option of reliable prenatal diagnosis in their subsequent pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Difficulties in reaching an accurate diagnosis are discussed since early diagnosis and urgent therapy with protein C replacement are crucial to avoid further damage after delivery.     

Protein C deficiency as the major cause of thrombophilias in childhood

Genetic predisposition of thromboembolism depends on the racial background. Factor V Leiden (G1691A) and factor II mutation (G20210A) are the leading causes of inherited thrombophilias in Caucasians, but are not found in Asian ancestries. Protein S (PS), protein C (PC) and antithrombin (AT) activity are reportedly low in 65% of adult Japanese patients with deep vein thrombosis. Approximately half of the patients with each deficiency carry the heterozygous mutation of PS (PROS1; 20%), PC (PROC; 10%), and AT genes (SERPINC1: 5%). Recently, several studies have revealed an outline of inherited thrombophilias in Japanese children. Congenital thrombophilias in 48 patients less than age 20 years consisted of 45% PC deficiency, 15% PS deficiency and 10% AT deficiency, along with other causes. All PS‐ and AT‐deficient patients had a heterozygous mutation of the respective gene. On the other hand, PC‐deficient patients were considered to carry the homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in 50%, the heterozygous mutation in 25%, and unknown causes in the remaining 25% of patients. Half of unrelated patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous PROC mutations carried PC‐nagoya (1362delG), while their parents with its heterozygous mutation were asymptomatic. Most of the PC‐deficient patients developed intracranial lesion and/or purpura fulminans within 2 weeks after birth. Non‐inherited PC deficiency also conveyed thromboembolic events in early infancy. The molecular epidemiology of thrombosis in Asian children would provide a clue to establish the early intervention and optimal anticoagulant therapy in pediatric PC deficiency.     

Anticoagulant Combination Therapy of Gabexate Mesilate and Urokinase in Purpura Fulminans

An attempt was made to combine anticoagulant therapy with gabexate mesilate and urokinase in a case of purpura fulminans developing after varicella infection. One week after the initiation of the treatment, the gangrenous extremities fully recovered without significant tissue necrosis. This is probably the first case of treatment of the disease that brought an immediate result.     

Varicella and thrombotic complications associated with transient protein C and protein S deficiencies in children

We report six cases of protein S deficiency secondary to varicella. Five cases were complicated by thrombotic and vascular events, namely purpura fulminans and necrotic vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis and stroke. Two cases were associated with protein C deficiency and one case revealed a heterozygous factor XII deficiency. The underlying mechanism of this acquired protein S deficiency is unclear but could be related to a direct effect of zoster virus.