The occurrence and features of hemorrhagic skin lesions in 115 cases of systemic meningococcal disease.

Hemorrhagic skin lesions (SH) are common in systemic meningococcal disease (MCd) and are very importance in differential diagnosis. The occurrence of SH in 115 MCd cases in relation to outcome (sequelae or death) and diagnostic category of MCd is described as well as the occurrence of SH in 61 control patients with similar referral diagnoses. We found SH in 77% of the MCd patients and about 20% of the control patients. The SH in the latter group tended to be small, localized and few. Multiple SH, a larger size and a generalized distribution was found in MCd patients with a graver prognosis. Health workers and particularly the public should learn more about SH in MCd and their significance. This may improve the care of MCd patients in promoting earlier diagnosis and therapy.