Serum syndrome is an immune complex mediated hypersensitivity reaction which presents itself with rash, polyarthritis or polyarthralgias and fever.
Serum syndrome was first recognized as an entity in the early 1900s in people that had received heterologous antisera that was used historically to treat infectious diseases.
Serum syndrome sickness is a syndrome that is characterized by skin rash, joint stiffness, joint pain, facial and extremity swelling, and fever.
Sometimes vomiting or respiratory distress happen with serum syndrome.
The serum syndrome may be mistaken for anaphylaxis.
Serum sickness and serum sickness-like reactions (SSLRs) differ in what causes them.
Antihistamines may shorten the length of the serum syndrome illness and help ease a rash and itching.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may relieve joint pain.
Corticosteroids taken by mouth may be prescribed for severe cases.
The medicine that caused the problem should be stopped.
The prognosis of serum sickness and serum sickness-like reaction is excellent.
People with serum syndrome generally experience resolution of symptoms within 1-2 weeks following discontinuation of the offending agent.