Serum sickness

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Serum sickness Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Serum sickness from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

X Ray

CT

MRI

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Lupus and Quality of Life

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Serum sickness On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Serum sickness

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Serum sickness

on Serum sickness

Serum sickness in the news

Blogs onSerum sickness

Directions to Hospitals Treating Serum sickness

Risk calculators and risk factors for Serum sickness

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

For the WikiPatient page on this topic click here

Synonyms and keywords: serum reaction

Overview

Serum sickness is a reaction to an antiserum derived from an animal source. It is a type of hypersensitivity, specifically immune complex (type 3) hypersensitivity. Serum sickness typically develops up to ten days after exposure to the antiserum, and symptoms are similar to an allergic reaction. However, it is different from anaphylaxis, since the symptoms are not instantaneous (onset is typically 2-4 weeks after exposure).

Pathophysiology

Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to antibodies derived from animals. These serums are generally administered in order to prevent infection. When the antiserum is given, the human immune system can mistake the proteins present for harmful antigens. The body produces antibodies, which combine with these proteins to form immune complexes. These complexes can cause more reactions, and cause the symptoms detailed below. Serum sickness can also be caused by several drugs, notably penicillin based medicines and Lincomycin Hydrochloride.

Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms can take as long as fourteen days after exposure to appear, and may include:

Treatment

Symptoms will generally disappear on their own, although corticosteroids may be prescribed in the most severe forms. Antihistamine may also be used.

References


Template:WikiDoc Sources