[Meningococcemia associated with C7 deficiency].

We report a 20-year-old woman who developed meningococcemia. The patient developed fever, vomiting and skin rash, then was sent to our hospital for shock. Physical and laboratory examination revealed septic shock and DIC. Her blood culture grew Neisseria meningitidis (W135). She recovered promptly with PCG, gabexate mesilate and intensive care for shock. Hemolytic activities of the patient's complement were less than 12/CH50 during the course. Screening for each component of the complements suggested that this patient had deficiency of C7. Meningococcal disease has seldom seen in Japan. Early recognition is essential so that appropriate antibiotic therapy and supportive care can be promptly started because shock and death may ensure within hours after onset of symptoms.