Serum sickness
Type III hypersensitivity reaction that occurs 7 to 21 days after injection of foreign protein or serum (e.g., biologics or streptokinase)
Immune complexes deposit in th...
Suspect in any patient who has been taking any new drug during the past 2 months and who has an unexplained vasculitic rash.
Presentation and evolution of rash
Typically, the rash first...
Stop suspected medication/antigen immediately.
Topical steroids to relieve itching
Antihistamines to inhibit the action of vasoactive mediators
Antipyretics for fever
NSAIDs to r...
Usually self-limited illness that resolves in a few days to weeks after stopping the culprit agent
If symptoms persist for >1 month,...
Bettge AM, Gross G. A serum sickness-like reaction to a commonly used acne drug. JAAPA. 2008;21(3):33–34. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]
Bonds RS, Kelly BC. Severe serum sickn...
999.59 Other serum reaction
999.52 Other serum reaction due to vaccination
999.51 Other serum reaction due to administration of blood and blood products
T80.69XA Other serum reaction due t...
Q: My child broke out all over her body with an itchy rash and hives a few days after taking cefaclor. Was this serum sickness?
A: It is more likely that she is allergic to cefaclor. The difference...
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