endotoxin shock

shock (shok)

1. a sudden disturbance of mental equilibrium.

2. a profound hemodynamic and metabolic disturbance due to failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs.

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anaphylactic shock  see anaphylaxis.

cardiogenic shock  shock resulting from inadequate cardiac function, as from myocardial infarction or mechanical obstruction; characteristics include hypovolemia, hypotension, cold skin, weak pulse, and confusion.

endotoxin shock  septic shock due to release of endotoxins by gram-negative bacteria.

hypovolemic shock  shock due to insufficient blood volume, either from hemorrhage or other loss of fluid or from widespread vasodilation so that normal blood volume cannot maintain tissue perfusion; symptoms are like those of cardiogenic shock.

insulin shock  a hypoglycemic reaction to overdosage of insulin, a skipped meal, or strenuous exercise in an insulin-dependent diabetic, with tremor, dizziness, cool moist skin, hunger, and tachycardia, sometimes progressing to coma and convulsions.

septic shock  shock associated with overwhelming infection, most commonly infection with gram-negative bacteria, thought to result from the actions of endotoxins and other products of the infectious agent that cause sequestration of blood in the capillaries and veins.

serum shock  see anaphylaxis and see under sickness.

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endotoxin shock

Etymology: Gk, endon, within, toxikon, poison; Fr, choc

a septic shock in response to the release of endotoxins produced by gram-negative bacteria. The toxin is released on the death of the bacterial cell, especially Escherichia coli.