PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MENINGOCOCCAL SEPSIS IN CHILDREN

Septic shock with purpura is a syndrome frequently diagnosed in childr en and predominantly caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Despite improve ments in management and therapy the mortality and morbidity in these p atients are still high. During the last few years much effort has been put into understanding of the systemic host response during this acut e infectious disease. This host response can be divided into the proce ss of recognition of endotoxin, the cascade of pro- and counter inflam matory mediators, the endothelial damage resulting in capillary leakag e and inappropriate vascular tone, and the procoagulant state. Conclus ion This paper reviews the recent insights in the pathophysiology of t he host response and their possible consequences for novel therapies i n meningococcal sepsis.