Wilson D C, Crean P M, Jenkins J G
Intensive Care Unit, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Ir J Med Sci. 1991 Jan;160(1):10-1. doi: 10.1007/BF02944724.
We describe a one year old boy with meningococcaemia complicated by the adult respiratory distress syndrome. Maintenance of oxygenation required a positive end-expiratory pressure of 20 cm H2O. Resultant barotrauma produced pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Prompt recognition and treatment of this complication can reduce its high mortality rate.
