Dextran Therapy of Purpura Fulminans

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Abstract
PURPURA fulminans was first described by Guellot1 in 1884. In 1961 Charkes2 reviewed 100 cases; 8 were in children; 3 of them died, and 2 others required amputation. Subsequent case reports reinforce the seriousness of the prognosis.3 , 4 Treatments, with varying degrees of success, have included corticosteroids,3 heparin and warfarin anticoagulation5 and hyperbaric oxygenation.6 Characteristically, ecchymotic areas appear abruptly, usually on the extremities or areas of pressure. Gangrene and hemorrhage follow, with fever, chills, malaise and, occasionally, coma. Various abnormalities of coagulation have been demonstrated, including diminished platelets, insufficient factor V, fibrinogen and prothrombin7 8 9 10 and elevated antithrombin III.9 The etiology is . . .