Learn About Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (WFS) is a group of symptoms caused when the adrenal glands fail to function normally. This occurs as a result of bleeding into the glands.
Fulminant meningococcemia - Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome; Fulminant meningococcal sepsis - Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome; Hemorrhagic adrenalitis
The adrenal glands are two triangle-shaped glands. One gland is located on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands produce and release different hormones that the body needs to function normally. The adrenal glands can be affected by many diseases, such as infections like WFS.
WFS is caused by severe infection with meningococcus bacteria or other bacteria such as:
- Group B streptococcus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus
Symptoms occur suddenly. They are due to the bacteria growing in large numbers inside the body. Symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Joint and muscle pain
- Headache
- Vomiting
The infection with bacteria causes bleeding throughout the body, which causes:
- A rash throughout the body
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation in which small blood clots cut off blood supply to the organs
- Septic shock
Bleeding into the adrenal glands makes the glands unable to produce enough adrenal hormones. This is called adrenal crisis, and it leads to symptoms such as:
- Dizziness, weakness
- Very low blood pressure
- Very fast heart rate
- Confusion or coma
Antibiotics are started right away to treat the bacterial infection. Glucocorticoid medicines will also be given to treat adrenal gland insufficiency. Supportive treatments will be needed for other symptoms.
North Shore-Lij Medical PC
Joshua Steinvurzel is an Orthopedics provider in Manhasset, New York. Dr. Steinvurzel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement.
Guy's And St Thomas' NHS Trust
Catherine Horsfield practices in London, United Kingdom. Ms. Horsfield is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Retroperitoneal Fibrosis, Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Kidney Transplant, and Pancreas Transplant.
Texas Orthopaedic Associates
Robert Scheinberg is a Sports Medicine provider in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Scheinberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome. Dr. Scheinberg is currently accepting new patients.
WFS is fatal unless treatment for the bacterial infection is started right away and glucocorticoid drugs are given.
To prevent WFS caused by meningococcal bacteria, a vaccine is available.
Published Date: August 26, 2023
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Newell-Price JDC, Auchus RJ. The adrenal cortex. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15.
Stephens DS. Neisseria meningitides. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 211.