Mai NguyenMercer University COPHS
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate 2012June 9, 2011
Preceptor: Dr. Ali Rahimi
Serum sickness is a reaction similar to an allergy. Specifically, type III hypersensitivity
reaction to certain medications, injected proteins used to treat immune conditions, or antiserum ▪ Antiserum: liquid part of blood that
contains antibodies that help protect against infectious or poisonous substances ▪Example: Tetanus vaccine
Antiserum Tetanus or rabies vaccination
Medications PCN Sulfa▪ Unlike other drug allergies, which occur very soon after
receiving the medication again, SS develops 7-21 days after the first exposure to medication
Injected proteins Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) - treat organ transplant rejection Rituximab – mAb treats immune disorders and cancers
Blood products
Lymph nodes may be enlarged and tender to touch.
Urine may contain blood or protein.
Blood tests may show immune complexes or signs of blood vessel inflammation Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate Leukocytosis
Corticosteroid creams or ointments – relieve discomfort from itching and rash
Antihistamines – may shorten length of illness and help ease rash and itching
NSAIDS – may relieve joint pain
Tylenol – helpful in relieving fever and muscle pain
Medications causing problem should be stopped and future use should be avoided.
COMPLICATIONS
Vasculitis
Neuropathy
Anaphylaxis
Shock
Death
PROGNOSIS
Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days.
Symptoms may persist for several weeks.
Fatalities are rare and usually are due to continued administration of the antigen.
1. Chen SM. (2010). Serum Sickness in Emergency Medicine. Medscape. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756444-overview
2. Henochowicz, SI. (2011). Serum Sickness. PubMed Health. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001823/
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