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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.
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.
Date Last Reviewed: 08/28/2009
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