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/