Pediatric Serum Sickness Questions & Answers

Updated: Jul 17, 2018
  • Author: Tova Ronis, MD; Chief Editor: Harumi Jyonouchi, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is pediatric serum sickness?

What is the pathogenesis of pediatric serum sickness?

What is the role of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in the pathogenesis of pediatric serum sickness?

What is the role of medications in the pathogenesis of pediatric serum sickness-like reactions?

What causes pediatric serum sickness?

What factors increase the risk for pediatric serum sickness in patients receiving antiserums?

What is the role of biologic agents in the etiology of pediatric serum sickness?

What is the role of immunoglobulin in the etiology of pediatric serum sickness?

What is the role of vaccines in the etiology of pediatric serum sickness?

Why is classic serum sickness now a rarity?

What causes serum sickness-like reactions?

What is the prevalence of pediatric serum sickness?

What is the prognosis of pediatric serum sickness?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of pediatric serum sickness?

How is rash characterized in pediatric serum sickness take?

Which physical findings are characteristic of pediatric serum sickness?

What are rare symptoms of pediatric serum sickness?

What are possible complications of pediatric serum sickness?

DDX

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of pediatric serum sickness?

What are the differential diagnoses for Pediatric Serum Sickness?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the diagnosis of pediatric serum sickness?

What is the role of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of pediatric serum sickness?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of pediatric serum sickness?

Treatment

How is pediatric serum sickness treated?

What is the role of plasma exchange in the treatment of pediatric serum sickness?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of pediatric serum sickness?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with pediatric serum sickness?

Which activity modifications are used in the treatment of pediatric serum sickness?

How is pediatric serum sickness prevented?

Medications

What is the role of medical therapy in the treatment of pediatric serum sickness?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Pediatric Serum Sickness?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of Pediatric Serum Sickness?

Which medications in the drug class Antihistamines are used in the treatment of Pediatric Serum Sickness?