Postpartum purpura fulminans

Abstract

Purpura Fulminans is a severe disorder of acute onset with high morbidity and mortality. Purpura fulminans (PF) is a hematological emergency in which there is skin necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This may progress rapidly to multi-organ failure caused by thrombotic occlusion of small and medium-sized blood vessels. PF may complicate severe sepsis. It most often occurs with sudden appearance of symmetrical, tender, ecchymotic skin lesions usually involving the lower extremities. Early recognition and early therapy with appropriate antibiotics and heparin is known to limit both morbidity and mortality. This article reports a case of Purpura Fulminans presented with DIC after hemorrhagic shock of postpartum hemorrhage.