Serum sickness

Serum sickness
SpecialtyHematology
Symptomsrash, joint pain, fever, lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes)
Causesantiserum, some drugs
Diagnostic methodsymptoms, blood test (low cell counts and complement protein counts), urine test
Differential diagnosislupus, erythema multiforme, hives
Preventionnot using antitoxins, prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids
Treatmentresolves spontaneously
Medicationcorticosteroids, antihistamines, analgesics, prednisone
Prognosisgood

Serum sickness in humans is a reaction to proteins in antiserum derived from a non-human animal source, occurring 5–10 days after exposure. Symptoms often include a rash, joint pain, fever, and lymphadenopathy. It is a type of hypersensitivity, specifically immune complex hypersensitivity (type III). The term serum sickness–like reaction (SSLR) is occasionally used to refer to similar illnesses that arise from the introduction of certain non-protein substances, such as penicillin.[1]

Serum sickness may be diagnosed based on the symptoms, and using a blood test and a urine test. It may be prevented by not using an antitoxin derived from animal serum, and through prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids. It usually resolves naturally, but may be treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines, analgesics, and (in severe cases) prednisone. It was first characterized in 1906.

  1. ^ Brucculeri M, Charlton M, Serur D (2006). "Serum sickness-like reaction associated with cefazolin". BMC Clin Pharmacol. 6: 3. doi:10.1186/1472-6904-6-3. PMC 1397863. PMID 16504095.