Successful use of leeches in the treatment of purpura fulminans.

A case of purpura fulminans secondary to pneumococcal septicemia is presented in an 8-month-old girl. The purpuric lesions on the fingers of both hands, as well as on the lower extremities, were treated by the local application of medicinal leeches. There was nearly complete salvage of the threatened tissues and the baby made a complete recovery. The possible mechanisms by which the leeches may have contributed to the clinical salvage are discussed.