Serum sickness: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Serum sickness | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| field = [[Immunology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[rash]], [[arthralgia]], [[lymphadenopathy]] | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = 7–14 days after exposure | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = [[Immune complex]] formation | |||
| risks = Exposure to [[antiserum]] or certain [[medications]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, history of exposure | |||
| differential = [[Allergic reaction]], [[autoimmune disease]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of known triggers | |||
| treatment = [[Antihistamines]], [[corticosteroids]], [[analgesics]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Serum sickness''' is a type of [[hypersensitivity reaction]] that occurs when the immune system reacts to medications or substances that contain proteins used to treat immune conditions. It's a reaction to the antiserum derived from an animal or another person. | '''Serum sickness''' is a type of [[hypersensitivity reaction]] that occurs when the immune system reacts to medications or substances that contain proteins used to treat immune conditions. It's a reaction to the antiserum derived from an animal or another person. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Serum sickness can be caused by exposure to certain medications, especially those containing animal proteins. The most common medications that can cause serum sickness include: | Serum sickness can be caused by exposure to certain medications, especially those containing animal proteins. The most common medications that can cause serum sickness include: | ||
| Line 7: | Line 25: | ||
* Medications containing [[murine]] (mouse) proteins | * Medications containing [[murine]] (mouse) proteins | ||
* Some types of [[monoclonal antibodies]] | * Some types of [[monoclonal antibodies]] | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of serum sickness can vary from person to person, but they typically include: | Symptoms of serum sickness can vary from person to person, but they typically include: | ||
| Line 17: | Line 34: | ||
* [[Headache]] | * [[Headache]] | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Serum sickness is typically diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and their recent exposure to a medication or substance that can cause the condition. There are no specific tests for serum sickness, but doctors may perform blood tests to rule out other conditions. | Serum sickness is typically diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and their recent exposure to a medication or substance that can cause the condition. There are no specific tests for serum sickness, but doctors may perform blood tests to rule out other conditions. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for serum sickness typically involves discontinuing the medication or substance that caused the reaction and managing symptoms. This can include: | Treatment for serum sickness typically involves discontinuing the medication or substance that caused the reaction and managing symptoms. This can include: | ||
| Line 26: | Line 41: | ||
* [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs) to reduce fever and pain | * [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs) to reduce fever and pain | ||
* [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation | * [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
Most people with serum sickness recover fully once the medication or substance causing the reaction is discontinued. However, in some cases, serum sickness can lead to serious complications, such as [[anaphylaxis]] or [[glomerulonephritis]]. | Most people with serum sickness recover fully once the medication or substance causing the reaction is discontinued. However, in some cases, serum sickness can lead to serious complications, such as [[anaphylaxis]] or [[glomerulonephritis]]. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Drug allergy]] | * [[Drug allergy]] | ||
* [[Immune response]] | * [[Immune response]] | ||
* [[Hypersensitivity]] | * [[Hypersensitivity]] | ||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
[[Category:Allergology]] | [[Category:Allergology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Drug safety]] | [[Category:Drug safety]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 06:15, 4 April 2025
| Serum sickness | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, rash, arthralgia, lymphadenopathy |
| Complications | |
| Onset | 7–14 days after exposure |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Immune complex formation |
| Risks | Exposure to antiserum or certain medications |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, history of exposure |
| Differential diagnosis | Allergic reaction, autoimmune disease |
| Prevention | Avoidance of known triggers |
| Treatment | Antihistamines, corticosteroids, analgesics |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Serum sickness is a type of hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when the immune system reacts to medications or substances that contain proteins used to treat immune conditions. It's a reaction to the antiserum derived from an animal or another person.
Causes[edit]
Serum sickness can be caused by exposure to certain medications, especially those containing animal proteins. The most common medications that can cause serum sickness include:
- Antivenom treatments
- Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin and cephalosporins
- Medications containing murine (mouse) proteins
- Some types of monoclonal antibodies
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of serum sickness can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
Diagnosis[edit]
Serum sickness is typically diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and their recent exposure to a medication or substance that can cause the condition. There are no specific tests for serum sickness, but doctors may perform blood tests to rule out other conditions.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for serum sickness typically involves discontinuing the medication or substance that caused the reaction and managing symptoms. This can include:
- Antihistamines to reduce itching and rash
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce fever and pain
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Prognosis[edit]
Most people with serum sickness recover fully once the medication or substance causing the reaction is discontinued. However, in some cases, serum sickness can lead to serious complications, such as anaphylaxis or glomerulonephritis.
