Shwartzman reaction

reaction (rēak´shn),

n opposite action, or counteraction; the response of a part to stimulation; a chemical process in which one substance is transformed into another substance or substances.

reaction, acute dystonic

n extreme contraction of the jaw muscles, which can result in dislocation of the jaw bones and difficulty in opening the oral cavity. These symptoms may be caused by an adverse reaction to an antipsychotic drug.

reaction, alarm,

n the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome of Hans Selye; occurs in response to severe physical and psychologic distress. Complete mobilization of body resources occurs in association with activity of the pituitary and adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system. See also syndrome, general adaptation.

reaction, anaphylactoid

n a reaction that resembles anaphylactic shock; probably caused by the liberation of histamine, serotonin, or other substances as a consequence of the injection of colloids or finely suspended material.

reaction, Arthus',

n.pr See anaphylactic hypersensitivity.

reaction, heterophil

n a heterophil agglutination test that measures the agglutination of the red blood cells of sheep by the serum of patients with infectious mononucleosis.

reaction, -id,

secondary skin eruptions occurring at a distance from the primary lesion (e.g., tuberculid).

reaction, immune,

n altered reactivity of the tissues to a foreign substance that was previously introduced into the body or in contact with it.

reaction, leukemoid

n an increase in normal or abnormal white blood cells in nonleukemic conditions; simulates myelogenous, lymphatic, and rarely, monocytic leukemia.

reaction, Shwartzman,

n.pr an antigen AB local tissue response that occurs when an intravenous injection or challenge of a bacterial endotoxin that had previously been inoculated intradermally results in a hemorrhagic, often necrotic inflammatory lesion.

reaction, tissue,

n the response of tissues to altered conditions.

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Shwartzman phenomenon, Shwartzman reaction, Shwartzman-Sanarelli reaction

a reaction to a second dose of bacterial endotoxin. It may be a local tissue reaction characterized by thrombosis, infarction and hemorrhagic necrosis, or generalized with disseminated intravascular coagulation and bilateral renal cortical necrosis.