A normal platelet count at admission in acute meningococcal disease does not exclude a fulminant course

Abstract

As platelets drop after admission, the use of the platelet count at admission for the assessment of the prognosis in acute meningococcal disease may be misleading. Frequently repeated platelet counts are a better tool for evaluating the severity of disease.

Coagulation, coma, and outcome in bacterial meningitis – An observational study of 38 adult cases

“…33 A rapid decline in the PLT count (dPLT) in two consecutive blood samples was indicated as a risk-factor for death in meningococcal disease. 34 Using the PLT as a solely marker of the DIC the prevalence was 38% for the raw count, but about 80% for the dPLT. In healthy subjects single mannitol infusion resulted in plasma expansion of up to 12%.…”

Update on Meningococcal Disease with Emphasis on Pathogenesis and Clinical Management

“…Nothing surpasses good clinical surveillance supported by frequent laboratory monitoring. For instance, the progression of DIC can be monitored easily by observing an increase in the number and size of skin hemorrhages and a decrease in the platelet count (492).…”

Mannose‐Binding Lectin Is a Critical Factor in Systemic Complement Activation during Meningococcal Septic Shock

“….001 between TCC and PRISM; Figure 3). In addition, high plasma D-dimer concentration at hospital admission and low platelet count nadir (ie, the lowest value within the first 48 h after hospital admission) [28] significantly correlated with plasma concentration of TCC (for D-dimers:…”