Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome
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Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS) is defined as adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal glands, commonly caused by severe bacterial infection. Typically, it is caused by Neisseria meningitidis.[1]
Quick Facts Other names, Specialty ...
Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome | |
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Other names | Hemorrhagic adrenalitis |
The adrenal glands lie above the kidneys | |
Specialty | Endocrinology |
Causes | Bacterial infection |
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The bacterial infection leads to massive bleeding into one or (usually) both adrenal glands.[2] It is characterized by overwhelming bacterial infection meningococcemia leading to massive blood invasion, organ failure, coma, low blood pressure and shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with widespread purpura, rapidly developing adrenocortical insufficiency and death.