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Retinal hemorrhages in meningococcal septicemia
Subramanian Dinakaran1, Tin K J Chan, Neil K Rogers
1Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England.
Summary
Retinal hemorrhages are common in children with meningococcal septicemia, occurring in 42% of cases. Ophthalmic evaluation is crucial for assessing this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningococcal septicemia frequently causes coagulopathy and bleeding tendencies.
- Retinal hemorrhages are a potential complication of severe infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of retinal hemorrhages in children diagnosed with meningococcal septicemia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of children admitted with meningococcal septicemia.
- Confirmed diagnosis via blood culture or PCR.
- Ocular examinations including funduscopy and coagulation status assessment.
Main Results:
- Twelve children (mean age 4.5 years) were included; all had coagulopathy.
- Retinal hemorrhages observed in 5 children (42%).
- Group C meningococcus linked to hemorrhages and fatal outcomes (3 deaths).
Conclusions:
- Retinal hemorrhage is a frequent finding in pediatric meningococcal septicemia.
- Ophthalmic evaluation should be standard in assessing these patients.
- Including retinal hemorrhage in future studies may clarify its prognostic significance.