Serum sickness

Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.

Serum sickness is a reaction to proteins in antiserum derived from an animal source. It is a type of hypersensitivity, specifically immune complex hypersensitivity (type 3). 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.[1] It was first characterized by Clemens von Pirquet and Béla Schick in 1906.[2]

Serum sickness typically develops up to ten days after exposure to the antiserum. The symptoms and treatment are very similar to an allergic reaction. However, it is different from true anaphylaxis, since the symptoms are not instantaneous.

Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to antibodies derived from animals. These serums are generally administered in order to prevent or treat an infection or envenomation. 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. This result in hypocomplementemia, a low C3 level in serum.

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

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

Use of plasmapheresis has also been described.[3]

[tubepress mode='tag', tagValue='Serum sickness']