Purpura Fulminans Due to Neisseria meningitidis Septicemia Treated With Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Case Report

<i>Neisseria meningitidis</i>, a pathogenic bacterium known for causing bacterial meningitis, can also lead to severe systemic infections, including septicaemia. Among the most severe manifestations of <i>N. meningitidis</i> septicaemia is purpura fulminans (PF), a life-threatening condition characterized by rapidly progressive skin necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We report a case of a previously healthy 25-year-old male who presented with an acute onset of fever, rigors, and a diffuse petechial rash. Within hours, the patient developed extensive PF, accompanied by signs of septic shock. Despite prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated. Diagnostic evaluation revealed <i>N. meningitidis</i> as the causative agent of the septicaemia. The patient was treated with targeted antibiotic therapy and aggressive supportive measures. Despite these interventions, the patient experienced severe complications, including PF that ultimately required debridement and multiple hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, which preserved the patient's limbs. This case highlights the aggressive nature of <i>N. meningitidis</i> septicaemia associated with PF, emphasizing the need for early recognition and immediate intervention. It underscores the importance of rapid diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to manage this critical condition effectively. The case also illustrates the potential for rapid deterioration and the challenges in managing such severe presentations of meningococcal infection.