Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome /wô″tərhous′ frid″ərik′sən/ [Rupert Waterhouse, English physician, 1873–1958; Carl Friderichsen, Danish physician, 1886–1979] , the most severe form of cerebrospinal meningitis, most often caused by meningococcal infection, characterized by the sudden onset of fever, cyanosis, petechiae, and collapse from massive, bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. It requires immediate emergency treatment, hospitalization, and intensive care. Emergency treatment includes vasopressor drugs, IV fluids, plasma, and oxygen. No sedatives or narcotics are given. Specific treatment is intensive antibiotic therapy, given parenterally and continued for several days after symptoms subside. Care includes close observation and adequate provision of fluids and nutrients.
