What is Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a very serious form of meningococcal septicemia. It is characterized by bleeding into the adrenal glands, causing them to fail. The syndrome is caused by severe bacterial infection, most often severe meningococcal infection. Children and adolescents have the highest risk for this disease, but adults can also be affected. This condition is life -threatening and requires quick medical care. As the disease progresses, a red or purple rash appears, which is often accompanied by low blood pressure. This is the beginning of what is called a septic shock that can proceed very quickly. A septic shock is a medical emergency. This is due to a serious stunning infection that is most often bacterial, but can also be caused by systemic fungal infections or I, in rare cases of viral infection.

The later symptoms of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome include bleeding into the adrenal glands, causing to turn off and blood pressure becomes a tremendously low life. Kidney function isdisrupted or stops completely. The heart function also becomes unstable.

skin rash, called petechiae or purpura, is beginning to spread very quickly. This rash includes a red or purple color of the skin that does not get when pressure is exerted on them. Both are caused by bleeding under the skin due to some huge infection. The main difference between them is that Petechiae is very small dots, while purpura is larger and often look like bruises. They can appear anywhere on the body and usually come out in clusters.

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome can be caused by any severe bacterial infection, but it is a bridge commonly caused by meningococcal infection, also known as meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis causes meninges, membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain, swell and ignite. Bacteria most often associated with this condition are neisseria meningitidis , soé known as meningococcus.

The times of the year when meningococcal meningitis is the most common is spring and winter. It is very contagious and can easily be passed on to persons in close contact, such as school students, military staff and children and staff in centers of childcare. Testing this disease includes lumbar puncture, commonly called a backbone tap. The spinal fluid is extracted by the needle and is collected in the syringe and is then tested in the laboratory for infection.