Waterhouse-Friderichsen
Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a very rare disease of the adrenal glands named after Rupert Waterhouse and Carl Friderichsen.
This severe infection needs to be treated extremely quickly as it is deadly if not treated right away.
The Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome may last only a few hours, after which it may results in death.
The treatment must be conducted immediately to reduce the risk of death.
Cause: Severe infection of one of the adrenal glands or both of the adrenal glands from a bacteria (most commonly the meningococcus).
Age Group: Pediatric, most cases of Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome occur in children younger than 10 although it can occur at any age.
Mortality Rate: 55% to 60% (source: emedicine.medscape.com)
- Acronym: WFS (stands for Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome)
- Severity: high
- Category: rare disease
- Synonym: hemorrhagic adrenalitis
Symptoms of the Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome
About Waterhouse and Friderichsen
Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome Definition
Symptoms of the Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome
Here are the symptoms associated with the Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome:
- Fever
- Skin Discoloration
- Skin Rash
- Rigors (Chills)
- Cough
- Muscle Pain
- Extensive Purpura (purple-colored spots and patches that occur on the skin)
Complications:
- Low Blood Pressure
- Coma
- Adrenal Gland Insufficiancy
- Hearth Failure
- Death
About Waterhouse and Friderichsen
Waterhouse
Rupert Waterhouse was born in 1873 in Sheffield, city of South Yorkshire (A on the Map), England. He was a physician who served as a soldier and as a medical officer during World War 1. Waterhouse first described the Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome in 1911. He died in 1958.
Friderichsen
Carl Friderichsen was born in 1886. This Copenhagen (B on the Map) pediatrician published is observation on the Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome in 1918. He died in 1979.