Meningococcal septicaemia: treatment with protein C concentrate

Meningococcal septicaemia is a devastating disease with the potential to de velop severe vascular complications. The incidence in Northern Ireland has risen from 27 cases notified in 1992 to 56 notified in 1997. We describe th e first use of protein C concentrate in addition to antithrombin III infusi on in the management of a life-threatening case of meningococcal septicaemi a in the Regional Intensive Care Unit, Royal Group of Hospitals, Belfast, U K, The rationale and the evidence to support the use of protein C concentra te are discussed. Despite the apparent efficacy and safety of this treatmen t, subsequent cases of meningococcal septicaemia have not received protein C concentrate due to a lack of availability.