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.