Meningococcal septicaemia: treatment with protein C concentrate.

Meningococcal septicaemia is a devastating disease with the potential to develop severe vascular complications. The incidence in Northern Ireland has risen from 27 cases notified in 1992 to 56 notified in 1997. We describe the first use of protein C concentrate in addition to antithrombin III infusion in the management of a life-threatening case of meningococcal septicaemia in the Regional Intensive Care Unit, Royal Group of Hospitals, Belfast, UK. The rationale and the evidence to support the use of protein C concentrate are discussed. Despite the apparent efficacy and safety of this treatment, subsequent cases of meningococcal septicaemia have not received protein C concentrate due to a lack of availability.