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Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Definition

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal gland. It is caused by severe meningococcal infection or other severe, bacterial infection.

Symptoms include acute adrenal gland insufficiency and profound shock. It is deadly if not treated immediately.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Treatment

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Prevention

References

Fernández-Frackelton M. Bacteria. In: Marx, JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 127.

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