FATAL PSEUDOMONAS SEPTICEMIA AND VASCULITIS IN A PREMATURE-INFANT

A characteristic vasculitis is an uncommon but well-recognized complic ation of severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the neonate, Altho ugh it is one of the most common gram-negative organisms responsible f or overall nosocomial infection, it is a rare cause of intrauterine or intrapartum infection of the newborn. We describe a fatal Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection occurring in a very premature infant with widesp read skin necrosis, Although this organism is relatively uncommon in t he neonate, premature infants are at increased risk of infection, with a significant associated mortality. Early recognition and treatment a re therefore very important.