Lethal Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome in posttraumatic asplenia

J Trauma. 1995 Oct;39(4):784-6. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199510000-00035.

Abstract

We herein report a case of fulminant lethal Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome in an elderly female patient seven years after posttraumatic splenectomy. In contrast to various reports, this patient had not been vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, or Haemophilus influenzae, respectively, although infections with these microorganisms are known to cause the main lethal diseases in asplenic patients. Again, we recommend obligatory vaccinations against the mentioned bacteria for it is known that this decreases the risk of fatal septic events in these patients. To optimize prevention, it is imperative to vaccinate patients undergoing splenectomy before discharge from hospital.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Tests
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Spleen / injuries*
  • Splenectomy / adverse effects*
  • Vaccination
  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome / blood
  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome / etiology*
  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome / physiopathology