| Alternative Names:
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| Meningococcal septicemia; Meningococcal blood poisoning; Meningococcal bacteremia or bacterial in the blood |
| Treatment:
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Patients are often admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Intensive monitoring and treatment are needed.
Supportive measures for shock include:
Medications include intravenous (IV) antibiotics to eliminate the infection, and high doses of corticosteroids for shock (must be given early). Clotting factors or platelet replacement may be needed if bleeding disorders develop.
Other treatments:
- Wound care for thrombosed (with blood clots) areas of skin
- Respiratory isolation for first 24 hours, to avoid spread to other patients
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| Expectations (prognosis):
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| Early treatment results in a good outcome. When shock develops, the outcome is more guarded. Profound shock, DIC (a severe bleeding disorder), and adrenal collapse all predispose the patient to a poor prognosis with possibility of a death. Patients without meningitis tend to have a poorer prognosis.
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| Complications:
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| Calling your health care provider:
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| Call your health care provider immediately or go to the emergency room if your child has symptoms suggestive of meningococcemia. |
