Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal gland. It is caused by severe meningococcal infection or other severe, overwhelming infection.
Symptoms include acute adrenal gland insufficiency and profound shock. It is deadly if not treated immediately.
Review Date: 8/16/2007
Reviewed By: Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Infectious Diseases 
