Fulminating Clostridial Septicemia in Children treated for Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Abstract

Overwhelming Clostridium septicum infection in 2 children, 1 and 4 yr old, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B-cell non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma, respectively, as well as fatal C. perfringens infection in a 3-yr-old child with histiocytosis-X are reported. A neutropenic patient with fever, abdominal symptoms and hypotension—but otherwise being well—must be suspected of having clostridial disease. The most alarming feature is chock and rapid course.