Abstract

T. Merlin Shiba*

ABSTRACT

There is an increasing number of cases of the waterhouse – Friderichsen syndrome in the literature in recent years, probably due to its more accurate recognition and to the increased incidence of meningococcic infections during the past two years. The condition is believed to be the result of fulminating meningococcemia and shock, and the pathologic findings can be explained on the toxic results of the organisms. Present usage of the term, waterhouse – Friderichsen syndrome, should be confined to those cases exhibiting the fairly typical clinical course as described, and undoubtedly to those patients whose symptomology was confirmed by autopsy. Care should be taken in the early recognition and differentiation of waterhouse – Friderichsen syndrome from acute meningococcemia. The present outline of treatment centers on control of the bacteremia and measures aimed to combat shock, with secondary symptomatic and supportive treatment.