Literature DB >> 23716842

Waterhouse-friderichsen syndrome in an adult patient with meningococcal meningitis.

Viral N Shah1.   

Abstract

Entities:  

Year:  2013        PMID: 23716842      PMCID: PMC3657252          DOI: 10.4103/0019-5154.108095

Source DB:  PubMed          Journal:  Indian J Dermatol        ISSN: 0019-5154            Impact factor:   1.494


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Sir, I read the case report by Sonavane, et al.,[1] and found it interesting, but there are certain lacunae in this case report. The authors reported a 29-year-old-male presenting with signs of meningitis and rash, and they found evidence for meningococi on smear as well as on culture, and there was hypotension and hence, they concluded it as Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. There is no doubt about meningococcal infection and septic shock, and there is high probability for adrenal insufficiency in this case. Surprisingly, authors have not mentioned about the serum cortisol and short synacthen (ACTH) stimulated cortisol value to prove that the shock (hypotension) is due to adrenal insufficiency and not due to other causes, as there are many causes for hypotension during sepsis.[2] Random cortisol and short synacthen test are must to establish the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in critical emergency situation.[3] Furthermore, despite patient being on steroid, there was no improvement and the patient died. Adrenal insufficiency if corrected rapidly should lead to fast improvement in vascular status, which was lacking in this case. Therefore, in absence of cortisol value and short synacthen test, it is premature to label this case as Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. The work of science is to replace dogma and science is not based on presumption but based on evidence and proof. Therefore, I felt this case should be considered as a probable case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome in absence of definite evidence.
  2 in total

1.  Adrenal axis testing and corticosteroid replacement therapy in septic shock patients--local and national perspectives.

Authors:  R S Bourne; S J Webber; S P Hutchinson
Journal:  Anaesthesia       Date:  2003-06       Impact factor: 6.955

2.  Waterhouse-friderichsen syndrome in an adult patient with meningococcal meningitis.

Authors:  Alka Sonavane; Vasant Baradkar; Parul Salunkhe; Simit Kumar
Journal:  Indian J Dermatol       Date:  2011-05       Impact factor: 1.494

  2 in total

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