Shwartzman reaction
noun
Shwartz·man reaction
| \ ˈshwȯrts-mən-, ˈshwärts-
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Medical Definition of Shwartzman reaction
: either of two reactions resulting from administration of endotoxin to experimental animals and especially rabbits:
a
: a generalized reaction following two intravenous injections of endotoxin given 24 hours apart and marked by widespread hemorrhage, reduced numbers of white blood cells and platelets, renal necrosis, and death of the animal
— called also generalized Shwartzman reaction
b
: a localized cutaneous reaction following subcutaneous injection of endotoxin followed 24 hours later by intravenous injection of endotoxin and marked by hemorrhage, necrosis, and white blood cell infiltration at the site of first injection
— called also Shwartzman phenomenon