She had returned from a trip abroad, her suitcase full of memories. But among the souvenirs, an unwelcome guest had lurked: a bacterium, which in just a few days unleashed a veritable storm in her body. The diagnosis was one of the most feared: septic shock, a very serious condition that landed her in intensive care, in danger of dying.
A story that could have ended in tragedy had it not been for the promptness, professionalism, and coordinated network of public health officials, who in one weekend set in motion an exceptional machine of people, expertise, and dedication.
Critical case
The patient, a 61-year-old woman, was admitted to the Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit at San Francesco Hospital in Nuoro on Saturday, October 11, headed by Dr. Peppino Paffi, along with Dr. Lucia Pitzoi, head of the Intensive Care Unit. During her stay in a foreign country, she had contracted gastroenteritis, which quickly progressed to septic shock with purpura fulminans, one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of systemic inflammatory response. "An extreme condition," Paffi and Pitzoi recount, "in which every minute was crucial. The patient's life was hanging by a thread."
Rapid diagnosis
The breakthrough came thanks to the Analysis and Microbiology Laboratory, led by Dr. Maura Fiamma, and in particular the Antimicrobial Stewardship program, directed by Dr. Vito Fiore, which allowed for the rapid identification of the causative bacterium: a rare pathogen, endemic to the region visited by the patient. Thanks to advanced technology and teamwork, the only potentially effective antibiotic was also identified. But there was a problem: the lifesaving drug was not available in the city.
Race against time
Thus began a frantic race against time. The San Francesco Hospital Pharmacy, directed by Dr. Paola Chessa, along with Dr. Antonella Tatti of the Hospital Medical Directorate, managed to obtain the first dose of the drug—the so-called "loading dose"—from the Monserrato Hospital (Cagliari), despite the regional warehouse being closed for the weekend.
This first intervention temporarily stabilized the patient. But a second dose was urgently needed. At this point, Dr. Desirèe Zanin, head pharmacist at the IRCCS Policlinico San Martino hospital in Genoa, was contacted. Despite it being a Sunday, the doctor personally went to the hospital and managed to obtain the medication.
The relay continues thanks to the AREUS air rescue service, coordinated by Doctors Eleonora Madarese and Maria Franca Puggioni, head of the 118 Operations Center in Sassari, ensuring the second dose arrives in Nuoro in good time.
A life-saving chain
"This is a case that shows what public health can do when it works, when professionals collaborate tirelessly and with a single goal: saving a life," Paffi and Pitzoi emphasize.
The patient is now out of danger. She will remain in the hospital for the recovery phase, but the worst is over. Thanks to a miracle of science, organization, humanity, and courage.