Case Study of Fulminant Meningococcal Septicemia Diagnosed in a Twenty-year-old Woman With Bulimia Nervosa
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Heart & Lung
Abstract
Fulminant meningococcal septicemia accounts for 5% to 10% of patients with meningococcemia; it is rapidly progressive and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The highest meningococcal incidence is found in the 6- to 20-month-old age group; whereas immunoincompetence is suggested in adults with the condition. Coincidentally, eating disorders are purported to be the most prevalent psychiatric or behavioral disturbance affecting adolescents, and studies indicate that vulnerability to infectious disease may be present in this group as a result of a subclinical malnutrition state. I report a case of fulminant meningococcal septicemia in a patient with a comorbid eating disorder of bulimia nervosa, who had a tumultuous disease course, and with rapid and aggressive management of her condition--an impressive recovery.
DOI
10.1016/s0147-9563(97)90043-1
Publication Date
11-1997
ISSN
1527-3288
Recommended Citation
Pierson DM. Case Study of Fulminant Meningococcal Septicemia Diagnosed in a Twenty-year-old Woman With Bulimia Nervosa. Heart & Lung. 1997; 26(6). doi: 10.1016/s0147-9563(97)90043-1.
