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Serum Sickness


  • Serum sickness is a type III hypersensitivity reaction that results from the injection of heterologous or foreign protein or serum. The term "serum sickness" was introduced by von Pirquet and Schick, who published a book with that title (Die Serumkrankheit) in 1905.

  • Symptoms usually develop within 1-3 weeks after receiving the antiserum and are recognized by fever, swollen, joints, and a rash in most cases. A medical history, physical examination, and simple blood and urine tests are used to diagnose Serum Sickness

  • The standard treatment for Serum Sickness is with antihistamines and NSAIDs, which can help reduce symptoms

  • The prognosis is very good, and most individuals can expect a full recovery within a few weeks. While complications are generally uncommon, individuals may develop anaphylaxis, swelling of the face, and nerve inflammation.


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McMaster Internal Medicine

Serum Sickness Following Treatment with Rituximab (jrheum.com)

Serum sickness associated with rituximab in a patient with hepatitis C virus-related mixed cryoglobulinaemia (rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org)