The Medical journal of Australia
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A case of red-back spider (Latrodectus mactans hasselti) envenomation in a neonate is presented. The signs of envenomation in a neonate are discussed, together with the dose of antivenom necessary for the successful treatment of envenomation. In episodes of untractable crying in neonates, the possibility that the baby has been bitten by a red-back spider should be considered.
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Comparative Study
Transplantation of kidneys from living related donors. Comparison with cadaveric kidney transplantation.
In a series of 271 transplantations of renal allografts, performed over 10 years, the rates of graft survival, patient survival, and morbidity in the recipients of allografts from living related donors (47 allografts) have been compared with those in the recipients of cadaveric allografts (224 allografts). The one-year graft survival rates were 88% for allografts from living related donors (100%, if these were HLA-identical) and 55% for cadaveric allografts, while the patient survival rates were 97% and 87%, respectively, in the same period. ⋯ It is concluded that transplantation of allografts from living related donors has many advantages over transplantation of cadaveric kidneys, and is a valuable adjunct to a cadaveric renal transplantation programme. Greater use of living related kidney donors should be encouraged in Australia.
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The clinical, neuroradiological, and pathological features of cysticercosis of the fourth ventricle, which occurred in a Cambodian immigrant, are reported. Comparisons between this case and Bruns' original description of cysticercosis of the fourth ventricle are made.
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Case Reports
Survival after severe envenomation by the blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa).
I report two cases of life-endangering respiratory failure after envenomation by a blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa). Early and efficient support of respiratory function is vital in such cases. Cardiac asystole occurred in one patient. Both patients recovered completely after the vigorous application of routine resuscitation techniques.