Allergic reactions of the human body to any irritating factors (otherwise called allergens) manifest themselves differently. We are talking about allergic reactions such as the Arthus-Sakharov phenomenon.
Allergy symptoms
The Arthus phenomenon is a local reaction, which is characterized by a sharp acceleration of the inflammatory process in response to exposure to any stimuli. They are also called gluteal reactions, they are formed at the injection site. With the phenomenon of Arthus-Sakharov, immune complexes are formed, consisting of proteins. They negatively affect the body, being deposited on the walls of small vessels - capillaries, and causing an allergic process.
Reaction can occur both two days and a month after the drug is administered. On average, this happens on the eighth or ninth day.
The degree of tissue damage depends on two factors: the nature of the drug administered and how long it has been in the human body. If the contact was short-lived, then the treatment passes quickly. And if it was long, there may be tissue destruction and other complications.
Availableallergies of this type indicate the following: the occurrence of necrosis (the pathological process of tissue death), intense reactions around it, the rapid formation of a capsule around the focus of inflammation, the formation of granulomas.
Causes and symptoms
The above immune complexes can form after the introduction of the following drugs into the body: vitamins, antibiotics (antimicrobials), serums (used as a vaccine), insulin (a hormone used in diabetes).
With the Arthus phenomenon, the patient may complain of increased pain during injections; itching, burning at the injection site; seals, swelling and redness of the skin appear, hyperemia (overflow of blood vessels) is clearly manifested. Infiltrates (liquid) appear, which may increase with repeated introduction of the allergen. Tissue necrosis is observed, in particular cases - anaphylactic shock.
Diagnosis and treatment
When making a diagnosis, the patient's complaints, data on previous diseases and intolerance to certain drugs or their components (life history data) are taken into account. The presence of high temperature and the rapid development of the inflammatory process for the Arthus phenomenon is uncharacteristic. Surgical treatment is not carried out.
The administration of the drug that caused the allergic process is cancelled. After that, glucocorticosteroids, which are analogous to adrenal hormones, are prescribed. The drug reduces inflammation, reduces the manifestation of symptoms such as soreness and swelling. AlsoThe patient may be prescribed antihistamines. They, like glucocorticosteroids, reduce inflammation, but have less effect.
Possible Complications
If you do not refuse to take the substance, fistulas (hard-healing canals) may form in place of granulomas (small nodules). Immune complexes continue to form (proteins and foreign agents, which include fungi, bacteria, viruses). Anaphylactic shock develops, which involves various internal organs. The manifestation is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. Patients experience changes in the activity of the cardiovascular system, a decrease in pressure, loss of consciousness.
In order to avoid a second allergic reaction of the Arthus phenomenon, it is necessary to refuse the introduction of this substance, as well as any other drugs that are in the same group of drugs as the drug that caused this type of allergy.
