secondary failure

sec·on·dar·y fail·ure

1. failure of the function of an organ as a result of antecedent pathology elsewhere; 2. decreasing responsiveness to a drug after an initial satisfactory response, usually occurring several months after initiation of treatment.

sec·on·dar·y fail·ure

(sekŏn-dar-ē fālyŭr) 1. Failure of function of an organ as a result of antecedent pathology elsewhere. 2. Decreasing responsiveness to a drug after an initial satisfactory response, usually occurring several months after initiation of treatment.