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Meningococcemia in a Boy with Dense Deposit Disease Receiving the C5 Complement Inhibitor Ravulizumab: A Case Report
Andrew J Gonedes1, Alexandra Martinez2, Allan M Greissman3
1Memorial Healthcare System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hollywood, Florida.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Complement inhibition therapy for dense deposit disease increases infection risk. A fully vaccinated adolescent on ravulizumab developed meningococcemia, highlighting the need for vigilance and prompt treatment in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Dense deposit disease (DDD), or C3 glomerulopathy, involves abnormal complement deposition in the kidney.
- Treatment often includes immunosuppressants and complement inhibitors like ravulizumab.
- Complement blockade elevates the risk of severe infections, especially from encapsulated bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis.
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