Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction

Overview

4.8 out of 5 (24 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post-Assessment Questions

13

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

4 May 2025

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


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Activity Description

Type IV hypersensitivity, or delayed hypersensitivity reactions, are T-cell–mediated immune responses that typically manifest 48 to 72 hours after antigen exposure, although they can take weeks to manifest. Unlike antibody-mediated reactions, these responses involve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which lead to cytokine release, inflammation, and tissue damage. While these reactions are essential for defending against intracellular pathogens such as mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites, they also contribute to severe conditions such as contact dermatitis, transplant rejection, drug-related exanthems, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive patient history, patch testing, biopsies, imaging, and laboratory studies. Treatment focuses on eliminating triggers, providing supportive care, and administering targeted therapies such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, depending on the underlying condition.

This activity explores the diagnosis and management of delayed hypersensitivity reactions, enhancing clinical decision-making and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools and therapies. This activity also reviews various treatment strategies, from topical corticosteroids for mild cases to systemic immunosuppressants and intensive supportive care for severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This activity also focuses on preventive strategies, including barrier protection and patient education on allergen avoidance, to reduce recurrence risks. In addition, this activity highlights the importance of collaboration among interprofessional healthcare providers, emphasizing their roles in improving coordination, mitigating complications, and delivering comprehensive care to enhance healthcare outcomes for patients affected by type IV hypersensitivity reactions.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the pathophysiology and immune mechanisms underlying type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

  • Identify the typical physical examination findings associated with type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

  • Apply evidence-based management strategies, including trigger elimination, supportive care, and targeted pharmacologic treatments.

  • Coordinate interprofessional care and patient education efforts to enhance safety, improve outcomes, and ensure continuity of care for individuals with type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Mrs W. on 8/3/2021

Dr.Poornima. S. on 2/11/2022

Karl S. on 12/26/2022

Patricia F. on 1/15/2023

Hailey G. on 1/16/2023

Amy E. on 1/16/2023

Karl S. on 3/21/2023

Mary Y. on 6/16/2023

Nicole O. on 9/21/2023

Krishna H. on 10/23/2023

ISLAM A. on 11/15/2023

Benjamin B. on 12/10/2023

alex b. on 1/20/2024

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Nithya P. on 5/4/2024

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Stephanie K. on 10/9/2024

JOHN M. on 11/10/2024

Jeanne W. on 12/29/2024

Dana L. on 6/5/2025

Unlimited Nurse CE

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6693 CE activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 7958 hours of CE.

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