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Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

From DrKoop's partner site on incontinence, IncontinenceNetwork.com
InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Adrenal gland hormone secretion
Adrenal gland hormone secretion
Meningococcal lesions on the back
Meningococcal lesions on the back
Definition

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal gland. It is caused by severe meningococcal infection and is characterized by acute adrenal gland insufficiency and profound shock. It is fatal if not treated immediately.


Causes, incidence, and risk factors


Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Angelique Green, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Medicine, Director of Urgent Care Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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