serum sickness - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

The repeated administration of an antigenic substance (a foreign protein), such as in immunization, which sometimes gives rise to an acute severe reaction. These reactions include fever, urticaria, arthritis, and inflammation of the heart and kidneys.

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).

Causes

Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to antibodies derived from animals. These complexes can cause more reactions, and cause the symptoms detailed below.

Symptoms

Symptoms can take as long as fourteen days after exposure to appear, and may include:

Rashes Joint Pain Fever Lymph node swelling Shock Decreased blood pressure

Treatment

Symptoms will generally disappear on their own, although corticosteroids may be prescribed in the most severe forms.