Hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy: further description of a new syndrome

Abrupt onset of coma, seizures, severe shock, and hyperpyrexia occurred in two previously healthy children. Their illnesses closely resembled a clinical syndrome of uncertain cause, the hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome. Our patients had striking similarities to as well as certain differences from reported patients. Based on the similarities, we believe our two cases represent additional occurrences of the syndrome. Based on the differences, we conclude that the syndrome should be labeled "shock and encephalopathy syndrome" and that the prognosis may be improved by early aggressive treatment of shock.