What is a Jarisch-Herxheimer (herx) reaction?

[Guest guest]

I hope the following helps explain better what a Jarisch-Herxheimer response

(also known as a " herx " ) is. I have only included excerpts from the

websites. Please visit the website to read and learn more. Let me know if

you have any more questions!

-Robynn

http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/j/Jarisch-Herxheimer_reaction.php

Ja·risch-Herx·hei·mer reaction

n : an increase in the symptoms of a spirochetal disease (as syphilis, Lyme

disease, or relapsing fever) occurring in some persons when treatment with

spirocheticidal drugs is started - called also Herxheimer reaction

Jarisch, Adolf (1850-1902), Austrian dermatologist. Jarisch published his

description of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in 1895, seven years before

Herxheimer published his own description.

Herxheimer, Karl (1861-1944), German dermatologist. Herxheimer published his

description of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in 1902. In that same year he

also described acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans.

Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. © 1997-2004.

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http://www.whonamedit.com/synd.cfm/3161.html

A transient inflammatory reaction following treatment with Salvarsan,

mercury, or antibiotics of early and later stages of syphilis. It is seen in

50% of patients with primary syphilis and about 90% of patients with

secondary syphilis. Also seen in other diseases, such as borreliosis,

brucellosis, typhoid fever, and trichinellosis. It is manifested by fever,

chills, headache, myalgias, and exacerbation of cutaneous lesions. Duration

is normally only a few hours. The intensity of the reaction reflects the

intensity of inflammation present. Herxheimer observed his reaction on

patients he had treated with mercury.

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http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/cache/2140798985.htm

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction describes the release of endotoxin when

large numbers of organisms are killed by antibiotics. It is seen in 50% of

patients with primary syphilis and about 90% of patients with secondary

syphilis. It is not a dose related phenomenon; thus giving a smaller dose is

of no value.

It occurs about 8 hours after the first injection and usually consists of

mild fever, malaise and headache lasting a few hours.

Rarely, in quarternary syphilis, a severe reaction can occur, prednisolone

is therefore given to reduce its effects. 30-40 mg /day is given in divided

doses for 2-3 days before and after the first dose of antibiotics, reducing

by 5mg/day thereafter.

It can be seen in other conditions also, for example in the treatment of

leptospirosis, tetracycline therapy in brucellosis, dapsone therapy in

leprosy (Lepra reaction), antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease.

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http://www.books.md/J/dic/JarischHerxheimerreaction.php

An inflammatory reaction in syphilitic tissues (skin, mucous membrane,

nervous system, or viscera) induced in certain cases by specific treatment

with Salvarsan, mercury, or antibiotics; believed to be due to a rapid

release of treponemal antigen with an associated allergic reaction in the

patient.

Synonym: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.

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http://www.kaiserpapers.org/alamo.html

Lyme victims relate experiences

The doctor started her on oral antibiotics, but on the fifth day a severe

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction nearly killed her. She was placed on intravenous

antibiotics, where she remained for nearly 1½ years.

Jarisch-Herxheimer, also known as " herxing, " occurs when antibiotics begin

to kill the Lyme spirochetes. The dying bacteria give off a toxin that cause

either direct or indirect reactions by stimulating the immune system.

The symptoms vary from systemic reactions like fever, low blood pressure,

chills and hives to more specific symptoms like headaches, rash, joint pain,

or a general worsening of Lyme symptoms.

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http://www.canlyme.com/lauren.html

Battling Lyme Disease: 's Story

Jarisch-Herxheimer-like reaction

When began taking antibiotics, she got worse at first. Frightened,

she asked me, " Mom, what's happening to me? " I tried to prepare her for this

by explaining that the reaction was due to the release of toxins into the

body when the organisms were destroyed and also due to her body's heightened

immune response. The phenomenon (the part due to toxin release) was named

after Drs. Jarisch and Herxheimer, who, in an earlier study involving

patients with Syphilis, noted an initial worsening of their symptoms after

being treated with penicillin.

The worsening of symptoms in Lyme is caused by more than simple toxin

release and so is called the Jarisch-Herxheimer-LIKE reaction. It seems to

involve the release of inflammatory products by the immune system, and can

therefore last for longer periods of time in Lyme disease than in Syphilis.

It can also occur whenever a new and effective antibiotic is used. So

had to brave not only a frightening disease but a worsening of that disease

during therapy, not easy for anyone, let alone a young girl.

Re: [ ] HERX (??)

HI -

I still don't understand what Herx is?????????

Thanks, Kim