Shwartzman phenomenon

Shwartzman phenomenon
Classification and external resources
DiseasesDB 31433
MeSH D012790

Shwartzman phenomenon, also known as Shwartzman reaction, is a rare reaction of a body to particular types of toxins, called endotoxins, which cause thrombosis in the affected tissue. A clearing of the thrombosis results in a reticuloendothelial blockade, which prevents re-clearing of the thrombosis caused by a repeat introduction of the toxin. That will cause tissue necrosis. Shwartzman phenomenon is usually observed during delivery or abortion, when foreign bodies are introduced into the tissues of the female reproductive system.

The Shwartzman phenomenon is named for Gregory Shwartzman, the doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City who was the first to develop the concept of immune system hypersensitivity in the 1920s. This reaction was experimented using Neisseria meningitidis endotoxin.[1]

This is notably seen with Neisseria meningitidis [2]rash and purpura are other manifestations

References

  1. ↑ "Mount Sinai Faculty Practice Associates - Firsts in Clinical Immunology". Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  2. ↑ First Aid for the USMLE. 2009.
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