Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Background

Etiology

• Infectious
  • Neisseria meningitidis (most common)
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Staphylococcus species
• Non-infectious

Epidemiology

• More common in children, but can happen at any age

Clinical Manifestations

• Shock
• Widespread purpura secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Rapidly-developing adrenal insufficiency from bilateral adrenal hemorrhage