The phenomenon of Arthus: manifestation, symptoms, treatment

Allergic reactions of the human body to any irritating factors (otherwise called allergens) are manifested unequally. It's about allergic reactions like the Artyus-Sakharov phenomenon.

Manifestation of an allergy

The phenomenon of Arthus is a local reaction characterized by a sharp acceleration of the inflammatory process in response to the influence of any stimuli. They are also called gluteal reactions, they are formed at the site of administration of the drug. At the phenomenon of Artyus-Sakharov immune complexes are formed, consisting of proteins. They adversely affect the body, deposited on the walls of small vessels - the capillaries, and causing an allergic process.

The reaction can occur both in two days, and a month after the administration of the drug. On average this happens on the eighth-ninth day.

The degree of tissue damage depends on two factors: the nature of the drug administered and on how long it has affected the human body. If the contact was short-lived, then the treatment passes quickly. And if it was prolonged, tissue destruction and other complications can be observed.

On the presence of allergies of this type indicates the following: the emergence of necrosis (a 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-mentioned immune complexes can be formed after the introduction into the body of the following medicines: vitamins, antibiotics (antimicrobial agents), serums (used as a vaccine), insulin (a hormone used in diabetes mellitus).

In the phenomenon of Arthus, the patient may complain of increased soreness with injections; Itching, burning at the injection site; There are densities, swelling and redness of the skin, vividly manifested hyperemia (blood vessels overflow). There are infiltrates (fluid), which when reintroducing an allergen can increase. Necrosis of tissues is observed, in particular cases - anaphylactic shock.

Diagnosis and treatment

When the diagnosis is made, the patient's complaints, data on the transferred diseases and intolerance of some drugs or their components (the history of life data) are taken into account. The presence of high temperature and rapid development of the inflammatory process for the phenomenon of Artyus is not characteristic. Operative treatment is not carried out.

The administration of the drug that caused the allergic process is abolished. After this, glucocorticosteroids are prescribed, which are analogues of adrenal hormones. The drug reduces inflammation, reduces the manifestation of symptoms such as soreness and swelling. Also, patients may be prescribed antihistamines. They, like glucocorticosteroids, reduce inflammation, but have less effect.

Possible complications

If you do not refuse to take the substance, in place of granulomas (small nodules), fistulas (heavily healing channels) can form. Immune complexes continue to form (proteins and foreign agents, which include fungi, bacteria, viruses). There is an anaphylactic shock, in which various internal organs are involved. Manifestation is a severe allergic reaction, which can lead to death. In patients, changes in the activity of the cardiovascular system, a decrease in pressure, loss of consciousness are observed.

In order to avoid a repeated allergic reaction of the Arthus phenomenon, it is necessary to abandon the administration of this substance, as well as from any other drugs belonging to the same group of drugs as the drug that caused this type of allergy.