[Bacterial (endotoxic) shock].

The data on one of sepsis variations, bacterial or endotoxin shock (BS) are presented. BS is caused by gram-negative flora among which the first place belongs to E. coli, but may also be caused by gram-positive bacteria. BS is characterized by an acute onset with chills, hyperthermia, leukocytosis and early development of circulatory collapse which may cause early death of the patient. The direct of mediated effect of endotoxin on the vascular wall causing paralytic distention of the microcirculatory bed with deposition of the blood in it is recognized in the pathogenesis of BS. Subsequently, under conditions of hypoxia and acidosis disorders of hemocoagulation develop in the form of disseminated intravascular coagulation which may result in cortical necrosis of the kidneys, necrosis and apoplexy of the adrenals, hypophysis, acute ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, necroses and hemorrhages in some other organs.