CLINICAL OVERVIEW

Serum Sickness

This clinical overview offers a practical guide for health professionals on serum sickness and serum sickness-like reaction (SSLR). It clarifies the distinction between classic serum sickness, a type III hypersensitivity reaction caused by foreign proteins, and SSLR, which presents similarly but lacks immune-complex mediation. The overview explores the etiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors associated with both conditions. Diagnostic approaches are emphasized, acknowledging the lack of definitive tests and the importance of excluding other potential diagnoses through a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted laboratory investigations. A differential diagnosis table facilitates the identification of similar presenting illnesses, including drug reactions, autoimmune conditions, and infectious diseases. Management strategies focus on identifying and removing the causative agent, providing symptomatic relief with antihistamines, NSAIDs, and, in severe cases, glucocorticoids. The overview also discusses prognosis, complications, and strategies for prevention, offering a well-rounded resource for clinicians encountering these conditions in practice. The content is supported by up-to-date research and guidelines, ensuring its clinical relevance and reliability.