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

Arch Pediatr. 2021 Aug;28(6):488-490. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2021.04.012. Epub 2021 Jul 8.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage; Group A Streptococcus; Purpura fulminans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / abnormalities*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / physiopathology
  • Purpura Fulminans / complications*
  • Purpura Fulminans / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents