A Reaction to Anemia Treatment

A 30-year-old male with aplastic anemia develops fever, rash, and Joint Pain after receiving anti-thymocyte globulin. Explore this hypersensitivity reaction.

Type III hypersensitivity reaction


A 30-year-old male with recently diagnosed aplastic anemia presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever, nonpruritic rash, and ankle and knee pain. Ten days prior, he had completed a course of horse anti-thymocyte globulin as a treatment for his aplastic anemia. Laboratory studies were notable for worsening neutropenia, low C3 and C4 levels, a CRP of 114 mg per liter (reference value < 5), and negative blood cultures. What type of hypersensitivity reaction is most likely responsible for this patient’s clinical presentation?

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Type I hypersensitivity reaction
Type II hypersensitivity reaction
Type III hypersensitivity reaction
Type IV hypersensitivity reaction
This is not a hypersensitivity reaction

Leave a Comment