Proteína C activada humana recombinante en el tratamiento de niños con púrpura fulminante meningocócica
- Federico Martinón Torres
- J.M. Iglesias Meleiro
- Manuel Fernández Sanmartín
- Antonio Rodríguez Núñez
- José María Martinón Sánchez
ISSN: 1695-4033, 1696-4608
Year of publication: 2004
Volume: 61
Issue: 3
Pages: 261-265
Type: Article
More publications in: Anales de Pediatría: Publicación Oficial de la Asociación Española de Pediatría ( AEP )
Abstract
Meningococcal purpura fulminans (MPF) produces high mortality and morbidity, despite appropriate standard therapy. Administration of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) has been successfully applied in adults with MPF and pediatric studies are under way. We report three pediatric patients with MPF treated with rhAPC as compassionate therapy. In two of these patients, positive clinical and laboratory effects were observed and both children achieved full recovery. The remaining patient died after 36 hours from refractory multiorgan failure. No rhAPC-related adverse effects were detected. The reported cases highlight the usefulness of rhAPC in children with MPF at least as a rescue compassionate treatment. Further clinical trials are needed to better delineate its efficacy and administration schedule in children.