Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
-
J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2003
Clinical TrialEffects of envenoming by comb-footed spiders of the genera Steatoda and Achaearanea (family Theridiidae: Araneae) in Australia.
The family Theridiidae (comb-footed spiders) contains the well-known and medically important widow spider group (Latrodectus spp.). Little is known about the effects of envenoming by other common members of this family. ⋯ Steatoda spp. bites or "steatodism" may cause prolonged pain and systemic effects similar to Latrodectus bites, but less severe. In severe cases, the clinical effects were almost indistinguishable from Latrodectus, except diaphoresis was absent, and the spiders were often mistaken for Latrodectus. Intravenous RBS antivenom appears to be an effective treatment in isolated severe cases, consistent with in vitro work. Achaearanea bites caused pain similar to Latrodectus bites.
-
J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2003
Do co-intoxicants increase adverse event rates in the first 24 hours in patients resuscitated from acute opioid overdose?
Patients frequently arrive in emergency departments (EDs) after being resuscitated from opioid overdose. Autopsy studies suggest that multidrug intoxication is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes after acute heroin overdose in patients. If this is true, there may be high-risk drug combinations that identify patients who require more intensive monitoring and prolonged observation. Our objective was to determine the impact of co-intoxication with alcohol, cocaine, or CNS depressant drugs on short-term adverse event rates in patients resuscitated from acute opioid overdose. ⋯ In patients resuscitated from acute opioid overdose, short-term outcomes are similar for patients with pure opioid overdose and multidrug intoxications. A history of cointoxication cannot be used to identify high-risk patients who require more intensive ED monitoring or prolonged observation.
-
J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2003
Australian tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) and mexican coral snake (Micruris species) antivenoms prevent death from United States coral snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) venom in a mouse model.
Wyeth-Ayerst has discontinued production of Antivenin (Micrurus fulvius). Currently, there is no other approved coral snake antivenom available in the United States. ⋯ Mexican Micrurus antivenom and Australian Notechis antivenom provide protection from lethality in mice envenomated with a United States M. f. filvius venom.
-
Centruroides sculpturatus, also known as Centruroides exilicauda or bark scorpion, is the only scorpion native to the United States whose venom produces a potentially life-threatening illness, particularly in children. ⋯ Clinical progression following scorpion envenomation in children < or = 2 yrs old occurred on average within 14 min of envenomation with onset almost immediately. Serum sickness occurred in 57% of toddlers receiving antivenom and typically lasted less than 3 days. Admissions were less common among patients receiving antivenom.
-
J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2003
Case ReportsFatal hypernatremia from saltwater used as an emetic.
An adolescent boy returned home from a party and told his parents he may have taken some pills while there. He was given saltwater to drink, in an effort to induce emesis. ⋯ He suffered numerous complications and died from cerebral herniation. This case is presented to remind physicians of the dangers of this obsolete therapy.