Trace element studies in Karachi populations. Part III: Blood copper, zinc, magnesium and lead levels in psychiatric patients with disturbed behaviour
Manser, W.W.; Khan, M.A.; Hasan, Z.
JPMA. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 39(9): 235-238
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 2511342 Document Number: 335033
During a meningococcal outbreak, 221 patients were studied. A skin rash was present in 78 (35.3%) patients. Twenty one (11.3%) patients had a frankly purpuric rash, involving mainly the extremities and the remaining had a generalised macular or petechial lesions. Extensive purpuric lesions, involving mainly the extremities were associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), shock and a fatal outcome. This peripherally distributed rash may be used as a clinical substitute for the laboratory tests that confirm DIC.