Waterhouse-Friderichsen's syndrome

Question 1

What is this syndrome

Answer 1

A syndrome caused by a severe bacterial infection which results in disseminated intravascular coagulation and subsequent adrenal haemorrhage and failure

The adrenal haemorrage is usually bilateral but can be unilateral

Question 2

Causes of Waterhouse-Friderichsen’s syndrome

Answer 2

Most common cause is Neisseria meningitidis but other bacterial infections may also be responsible eg streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 3

Clinical features of waterhouse-Friderichsen’s syndrome

Answer 3

Classically patients develop a non-specific infection which progresses into a macular, petechial and subsequently purpuric rash along with septic shock

Question 4

Prognosis of waterhouse-friderichsen’s syndrome

Answer 4

the condition is invariably fatal and is usually diagnosed on autopsy