SERUM SICKNESS

Course overview

Serum sickness (SS) is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction caused by a delayed immune response to a foreign (i.e., nonhuman source) serum. It results when a drug binds to plasma protein, and antibodies are generated in response to the drug-protein complex. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of SS, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.