Serum sickness: Difference between revisions
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{{Serum sickness}} | |||
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For the WikiPatient page on this topic click [[Serum sickness (patient information)|here]] | |||
{{SK}} serum reaction | |||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to [[antibodies]] derived from [[animal]]s. These serums are generally administered in order to prevent infection. When the [[antiserum]] is given, the human [[immune system]] can mistake the [[protein]]s present for harmful [[antigen]]s. The body produces [[antibodies]], which combine with these proteins to form [[immune complex]]es. These complexes can cause more reactions, and cause the symptoms detailed below. Serum sickness can also be caused by several [[medication|drugs]], notably [[penicillin]] based medicines. | Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to [[antibodies]] derived from [[animal]]s. These serums are generally administered in order to prevent infection. When the [[antiserum]] is given, the human [[immune system]] can mistake the [[protein]]s present for harmful [[antigen]]s. The body produces [[antibodies]], which combine with these proteins to form [[immune complex]]es. These complexes can cause more reactions, and cause the symptoms detailed below. Serum sickness can also be caused by several [[medication|drugs]], notably [[penicillin]] based medicines and [[Lincomycin Hydrochloride]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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* [[Rash]]es | * [[Rash]]es | ||
* Joint pain ([[arthralgia]]) | * [[Joint pain]] ([[arthralgia]]) | ||
* [[Fever]] | * [[Fever]] | ||
* Lymph node swelling ([[lymphadenopathy]]) | * [[Lymph node swelling]] ([[lymphadenopathy]]) | ||
* [[Shock (medical)|Shock]] | * [[Shock (medical)|Shock]] | ||
* Decreased blood pressure ([[hypotension]]) | * [[Decreased blood pressure]] ([[hypotension]]) | ||
* Enlarged spleen ([[splenomegaly]]) | * [[Enlarged spleen]] ([[splenomegaly]]) | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Symptoms will generally disappear on their own, although [[corticosteroid]]s may be prescribed in the most severe forms. [[Antihistamine]] may also be used. | Symptoms will generally disappear on their own, although [[corticosteroid]]s may be prescribed in the most severe forms. [[Antihistamine]] may also be used. | ||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|2}} | |||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | |||
{{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | {{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | ||
{{WikiDoc Sources}} | {{WikiDoc Sources}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:55, 1 August 2017
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Serum sickness Microchapters |
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Serum sickness On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of 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:
- Rashes
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Fever
- Lymph node swelling (lymphadenopathy)
- Shock
- Decreased blood pressure (hypotension)
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Treatment
Symptoms will generally disappear on their own, although corticosteroids may be prescribed in the most severe forms. Antihistamine may also be used.