Overview
Acquired purpura fulminans is a rare and life-threatening blood clotting disorder. Unlike some forms of purpura fulminans that are present from birth, the acquired form develops during a person's lifetime, usually triggered by a severe infection or, less commonly, by the body's immune system attacking itself after an illness. The condition causes tiny blood vessels throughout the body to form dangerous clots, which at the same time leads to uncontrolled bleeding. This combination — clotting and bleeding happening at the same time — is called disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC. The most visible sign of acquired purpura fulminans is a distinctive skin rash made up of dark, purple-red blotches that can spread quickly and may turn into open wounds or areas of dead tissue. These skin changes happen because blood flow is being cut off to the skin. The condition can also damage internal organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and liver. In severe cases, it can lead to the loss of fingers, toes, or limbs due to tissue death. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause — most often a bacterial infection such as meningococcal or pneumococcal sepsis — while supporting the body's clotting system. This may include antibiotics, blood products, anticoagulants like heparin, and intensive care support. Protein C concentrate or fresh frozen plasma may be used to restore natural clotting balance. Early recognition and aggressive treatment in an intensive care unit give the best chance of survival and reducing long-term complications.
Key symptoms:
Rapidly spreading dark purple or red blotches on the skinSkin that turns black and dies in affected areasFever and signs of serious infection or sepsisLow blood pressure and rapid heart rateBleeding from multiple sites, such as the gums, nose, or IV linesPain, swelling, or discoloration in the hands, feet, or limbsConfusion or altered consciousnessKidney failure or reduced urine outputDifficulty breathingCold or blue-tinged fingers and toesOpen sores or blisters forming over the purple skin patches
Clinical phenotype terms (25)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Acquired purpura fulminans.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Acquired purpura fulminans.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What caused my purpura fulminans, and has the underlying infection or trigger been fully treated?,What are the chances that I will need amputation, and how will that decision be made?,What long-term organ damage should I be monitored for, and how often do I need follow-up tests?,Is protein C concentrate or any other specific treatment appropriate for my case?,What vaccinations should I and my family members receive to reduce the risk of this happening again?,What rehabilitation services are available to help me recover physically and emotionally?,Are there any support groups or patient communities for survivors of purpura fulminans?
Common questions about Acquired purpura fulminans
What is Acquired purpura fulminans?
Acquired purpura fulminans is a rare and life-threatening blood clotting disorder. Unlike some forms of purpura fulminans that are present from birth, the acquired form develops during a person's lifetime, usually triggered by a severe infection or, less commonly, by the body's immune system attacking itself after an illness. The condition causes tiny blood vessels throughout the body to form dangerous clots, which at the same time leads to uncontrolled bleeding. This combination — clotting and bleeding happening at the same time — is called disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC. The
How is Acquired purpura fulminans inherited?
Acquired purpura fulminans follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Acquired purpura fulminans?
9 specialists and care centers treating Acquired purpura fulminans are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.