Hemophilus influenzae septicemia and polyarthritis in multiple myeloma.

Hemophilus influenzae sepsis, rare in adults, is reported for the first time in association with multiple myeloma. The patient developed fulminant septicemia involving multiple organs and disabling pyarthrosis due to nonencapsulated H influenzae, usually considered to be nonpathogenic. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy cured the infection and prevented permanent joint disease. Also illustrated is the problem of establishing a diagnosis of myclomatosis in patients with septicemia. The English language literature on H influenzae sepsis and polyarthritis in association with myeloma has been reviewed.