FULMINANT PNEUMOCOCCAL SEPTICEMIA IN A SP LENECTOMIZED CHILD DESPITE IMMUNIZATION AND CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS - NEED FOR EDUCATION OF PARENTS AND PHYSICIANS

A splenectomized three-year-old developed fulminant pneumococcal septi cemia despite immunization and chemoprophylaxis. The course was rapidl y fatal. Fulminant pneumococcal septicemia mainly affects splenectomiz ed individuals and is associated with very substantial mortality. Immu nization prior to splenectomy and daily prophylactic oral penicillin h ave partial preventive efficacy. Other useful measures include carryin g a health status card and inpatient antimicrobial therapy in the even t of fever. The need for these precautions should be repeatedly discus sed with the child's parents and physician.