Physiologic Changes during the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction in Early Syphilis. A Comparison with Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever
Abstract
In twelve of fifteen patients with early syphilis body temperature increased by more than 0.8C after treatment with penicillin. In all cases the blood leukocyte count increased; the lymphocyte count fell in seven of eight patients, but neutropenia was never observed. In four of the patients detailed cardiorespiratory measurements were made. During the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (J-HR) metabolic rate increased, but pulmonary ventilation and cardiac output exceeded metabolic requirements. There was evidence of impaired pulmonary oxygen uptake, and systemic arterial blood pressure fell due to decreased vascular resistance. The role of leukocyte pyrogen in the Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions of secondary syphilis and louse-born relapsing fever (LBRF) is discussed, and possible reasons are suggested for the differences in timing and intensity of the reactions in the two diseases and for the absence of an early neutropenia in syphilis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 23, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0748494
Entities
People
- A. D. M. Bryceson
- D. A. Warrell
- E. H. Parry
- Helen M. Pope
- P. L. Perine