The management of skin infarction after meningococcal septicaemia in children.

The clinical course and management of 21 children (12 females, 9 males; mean age 2.4 years) with skin necrosis secondary to meningococcal septicaemia is described. Skin necrosis was most commonly sited in the lower limbs (20 patients). Sixteen patients had multiple areas of involvement and amputation of the digits was required in 5 patients. One required an above knee amputation. Small areas of skin necrosis were managed conservatively (4 patients) but larger areas required debridement and grafting. Skin grafting was delayed in 15 patients and graft loss occurred in 8. Multiple grafting procedures were required in 6 patients. Scar revision was required in 6 patients. Nutritional support is also an important component of management.