A Prospective Study on Septicemia II. Clinical Manifestations and Complications, Results of Antimicrobial Treatment and Report of a Follow-up Study

AbstractIn a prospective study at a hospital for infectious diseases 151 patients, 110 with proved and 41 with probable septicemia, were analysed. Clinical, laboratory, therapeutic data and prognostic experiences, partly from a follow-up study, are described. Secondary manifestations, mostly from skin, mucous membranes, nervous system and lungs, were present in 72%. They were more often caused by gram-positive cocci than by gram-negative bacilli and in some cases not revealed until autopsy. Lesions in the nervous system were most often caused by strepto- or pneumococci or Haemophilus influenzae. In 2 splenectomized patients with extensive hemorrhages, pneumococci were isolated. Subacute courses were rare even in α-streptococcal infection and its “classical signs” were never observed. Shock and thrombocytopenia suggesting disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred together in 11%, and in one-third in the lethal cases. Gram-positive bacteria were often involved. Leukocytosis was absent in 53 patients; ...