Articles: spider-bites.
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Systemic loxoscelism is a constitutional illness resulting from the bite of the brown recluse spider. In severe form, it may cause hemolysis, acute renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. ⋯ We report an unusual case of systemic loxoscelism resulting in death less than one day following envenomation. We also discuss screening algorithms and contemporary management of systemic loxoscelism.
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Curr Pharm Biotechnol · Aug 2012
ReviewBlack widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) antivenom in clinical practice.
Black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) envenomation has been recognized since antiquity. The syndrome, latrodectism, is characterized by painful muscle rigidity and autonomic disturbances such as tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. Symptoms typically last for 1-3 days. ⋯ A new purified F(ab)2 fragment Latrodectus mactans antivenom, Analatro®, is currently undergoing clinical trials. The product is expected to have similar efficacy and be associated with fewer adverse reactions when compared to the currently available partially purified whole IgG Merck product. This shift in the risk-benefit analysis may ultimately lead to more antivenom administration in significantly envenomated patients.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Jun 2012
Black widow spider envenomation, a rare cause of Horner's syndrome.
Horner's syndrome involves a triad of eyelid ptosis, miosis, and facial anhidrosis that results from disruption of the oculosympathetic pathway. Acquired Horner's syndrome is associated with a variety of medical conditions including Pancoast tumor and carotid dissection. ⋯ We hypothesize that late sequelae of black widow spider envenomation secondary to autonomic nerve injury or retrograde axonal transport after mechanical inoculation may have led to an acquired defect in the oculosympathetic pathway resulting in a Horner's syndrome. This case introduces a rare cause of Horner's syndrome and highlights the importance of environmental exposures in the evaluation of these patients.
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Clin Toxicol (Phila) · Jan 2012
Examination of adverse events following black widow antivenom use in California.
Following widow spider (Latrodectus sp.) envenomation, local pain, erythema, abdominal pain, rigidity, hypertension, and diaphoresis can be seen. While an effective specific antivenom (AV) is available, its use is limited due to concern of possible severe allergic reaction. We performed the current study to determine rate of adverse effects and the efficacy of AV in patients treated for widow spider envenomation. ⋯ Our results suggest that Black Widow Spider Antivenin® (Merck) administration is relatively safe with mild to moderate adverse effects seen in only a small percentage of patients. There were no deaths, or severe allergic reactions identified. The retrospective use of poison control system data is a limitation of our study. Further prospective studies are needed to validate our findings and elucidate the full safety profile on this antivenom.