autoerythrocyte sensitization

sensitization /sen·si·ti·za·tion/ (sen″sĭ-tĭ-za´shun)

1. administration of an antigen to induce a primary immune response.

2. exposure to allergen that results in the development of hypersensitivity.

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autoerythrocyte sensitization  see painful bruising syndrome, under syndrome.

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autoerythrocyte sensitization

[ô′tō·ərith′rəsīt]

Etymology: Gk, autos + erythros, red, kytos, cell

hypersensitivity to one's own red blood cells. It results in the spontaneous appearance of painful, hemorrhagic spots on the anterior aspects of the arms and legs. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, an extreme example of the condition, may cause fulminant hemolysis, fever, abdominal pain, hyperbilirubinemia, thrombosis, and shock. Psychoneurotic disorders also may be associated with the condition.

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sensitization [sen″sĭ-tĭ-za´shun]

1. immunization.

2. exposure to allergen that results in the development of hypersensitivity.

3. the coating of erythrocytes with antibody so that they are subject to lysis by complement in the presence of homologous antigen, the first stage of a complement fixation test.

autoerythrocyte sensitization see autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome.