Human serum sickness is a syndrome characterized by fever, malaise, skin rashes, arthralgias, gastrointestinal disturbances, and lymphadenopathy. It is believed to be mediated by circulating immune complexes composed of a foreign antigen and host antibody. Several cephalosporins have been associated with serum sickness. We report the occurrence of serum sickness in a patient who received cefoxitin, a commonly used cephamycin antibiotic, and pentoxifylline, a xanthine derivative that improves the flow properties of blood by decreasing its viscosity. Serum sickness has not been previously reported with the use of cefoxitin or pentoxifylline.
LawleyTJBieloryLGasconPYanceyKBYoungNSFrankMM. A prospective clinical and immunologic analysis of patients with serum sickness. N Engl J Med1984; 311: 1407–12.
2.
SandersWEJohnsonJEIIITaggartJG. Adverse reactions to cephalothin and cephapirin. Uniform occurrence on prolonged intravenous administration of high doses. N Engl J Med1974; 290: 424–9.
3.
MurrayDLSingerDASingerAB. Cefaclor. A cluster of adverse reactions (letter). N Engl J Med1980; 303: 1003.
