Specialty emergency medicine ICD-9-CM 999.5 MedlinePlus 000820 | ICD-10 T80.6 DiseasesDB 11970 eMedicine med/2105 | |
Serum sickness in humans is a reaction to proteins in antiserum derived from a non-human animal source, occurring 4–10 days after exposure. 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. It was first characterized by Clemens von Pirquet and Béla Schick in 1906.
Contents
Causes
When an 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 precipitate, enter the walls of blood vessels, and activate the complement cascade, initiating an inflammatory response and consuming much of the available complement component 3 (C3). The result is a leukocytoclastic vasculitis. This results in hypocomplementemia, a low C3 level in serum. They can also cause more reactions resulting in typical symptoms of serum sickness.
Antitoxins and antisera
Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to antibodies derived from animals. These sera or antitoxins are generally administered to prevent or treat an infection or envenomation.
Drugs
Some of the drugs associated with serum sickness are:
Others
Allergenic extracts, hormones and vaccines can also cause serum sickness.
Symptoms
Symptoms can take as long as 14 days after exposure to appear, and may include signs and symptoms commonly associated with hypersensitivity or infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on history given by patient, including recent medications.
Treatment
With discontinuation of offending agent, symptoms usually disappear within 4–5 days.
Corticosteroids, antihistamines, and analgesics are the main line of treatment. The choice depends on the severity of the reaction.
Use of plasmapheresis has also been described.
Prevention
Avoidance of antitoxins that may cause serum sickness is the best way to prevent serum sickness. Although, sometimes, the benefits outweigh the risks in the case of a life-threatening bite or sting. Prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used concomitant with the antitoxin. Skin testing may be done beforehand in order to identify individuals who may be at risk of a reaction. Physicians should make their patients aware of the drugs or antitoxins to which they are allergic if there is a reaction. The physician will then choose an alternate antitoxin if it's appropriate or continue with prophylactic measures.