Poisoning, envenomation, and trauma from marine creatures

In the course of their clinical work or during leisure activity, family physicians occasionally may encounter patients with injuries from marine creatures. Poisoning, envenomation, and direct trauma are all possible in the marine environment. Ciguatera poisoning can result from ingestion of predatory fish that have accumulated biotoxins. Symptoms can be gastrointestinal or neurologic, or mixed. Management is mostly symptomatic. Scombroid poisoning results from ingestion of fish in which histamine-like substances have developed because of improper refrigeration. Gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms occur. Treatment is based on antihistamines. Envenomations from jellyfish in U.S. waters and the Caribbean are painful but rarely deadly. Household vinegar deactivates the nematocysts, and manual removal of tentacles is important. Treatment is symptomatic. Heat immersion may help with the pain. Stingrays cause localized damage and a typically severe envenomation. The venom is deactivated by heat. The stingray spine, including the venom gland, typically is difficult to remove from the victim, and radiographs may be necessary to localize the spine or fragment. Surgical débridement occasionally is needed. Direct trauma can result from contact with marine creatures. Hemorrhage and tissue damage occasionally are severe. Infections with organisms unique to the marine environment are possible; antibiotic choices are based on location and type of injury. Shark attacks, although rare, require immediate attention.     

Is hot water immersion an effective treatment for marine envenomation?

Envenomation by marine creatures is common. As more people dive and snorkel for leisure, the incidence of envenomation injuries presenting to emergency departments has increased. Although most serious envenomations occur in the temperate or tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, North American and European waters also provide a habitat for many stinging creatures. Marine envenomations can be classified as either surface stings or puncture wounds. Antivenom is available for a limited number of specific marine creatures. Various other treatments such as vinegar, fig juice, boiled cactus, heated stones, hot urine, hot water, and ice have been proposed, although many have little scientific basis. The use of heat therapies, previously reserved for penetrating fish spine injuries, has been suggested as treatment for an increasing variety of marine envenomation. This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of hot water immersion (HWI) and other heat therapies in the management of patients presenting with pain due to marine envenomation.     

Analysis of 24 cases of bullrout envenomation

Notesthes robusta (bullrout) is a spined freshwater fish found in the rivers, creeks and estuaries of the east coast of Australia. Its sting causes intense pain at the site of envenomation. The symptoms may be successfully treated by immersion of the affected part in hot water and infiltration with local anaesthetic. This is a review of 24 cases of presumed bullrout envenomation presenting to the Emergency Department of Ipswich General Hospital. The characteristic and pathognomonic presentation is described and the response to treatment demonstrated.     

Mild snake envenomation

Snake bite envenomation typically requires treatment with effective first aid and antivenom. There is a spectrum of envenomation seen, which includes mild envenomation, but this has not been reported previously. We report two cases of mild envenomation and describe the changes in laboratory coagulation values. The patients had a benign clinical course without receiving antivenom. We strongly recommend that if clinicians are considering not treating any envenomated patients with antivenom, they do so only on expert advice.     

Lionfish envenomation

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are venomous fish most often found as aquarium pets throughout the United States. Lionfish envenomations frequently occur on the upper extremities, with pain as the predominant symptom. Immersing the injured part in warm (45°C) water is considered the first and foremost important treatment as it is reported to relieve pain and inactivate the venom. Other methods of analgesia are discussed. We present a case of lionfish envenomation that failed to respond to warm water immersion.     

Extremely Painful Multifocal Acquired Predominant Axonal Sensorimotor Neuropathy of the Upper Limb

The differential diagnosis of upper extremity mononeuritis multiplex includes neuralgic amyotrophy, vasculitic neuropathy, and Lewis‐Sumner syndrome. We describe 3 patients initially suspected of neuralgic amyotrophy, who had an extremely painful, protracted, progressive disease course, not fitting one of these established diagnoses. Nerve ultrasonography showed focal caliber changes of the roots, plexus, and limb nerves. Electromyography showed predominant multifocal axonopathy. Ongoing autoimmune neuropathy was suspected. Steroid treatment provided temporary relief, and intravenous immunoglobulin A sustained pain decrease and functional improvement. These patients appear to have extremely painful axonal inflammatory neuropathy, with a good response to immune‐modulating treatment.     

Care related pain in hospitalized patients: A cross‐sectional study

Context: Care‐related pain includes pain occurring during transportation, movement, diagnostic imaging, physical examination, or treatment. Its prevalence has never been assessed in a large adult inpatient population. Objective: To identify the procedures likely to induce or increase pain in hospital patients, attempting to separate the most painful from those reported as most frequently inducing pain. Design: A single‐day cross‐sectional survey conducted in two large French teaching hospitals, including all hospitalized patients, free of communication problems. One third was randomly selected and interviewed about the painful episodes that had occurred or were associated with the procedures performed during the previous two weeks. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Six‐hundred‐eighty‐four patients were randomly selected. Six‐hundred‐seventy‐one painful events were reported in 55% of the patients, with an average of 1.8events/patient. Fifty‐two percent of the painful events were associated with procedures performed by non‐medical staff; 38% of the painful episodes occurred during procedures involving vascular puncture and 24% during patients’ mobilization. In 57% of painful procedures, pain was rated as severe or extremely severe. The most painful procedures were invasive procedures, other than vascular and non vascular punctures (74% of severe and extremely severe painful episodes). Maximum pain intensity was rated higher for procedures that were repeated than for those experienced only once (62% versus 53%, p=0.02). Conclusion: This survey gives new insight into our daily practice. Proper management of care‐related pain should be a major concern of all hospital staff to improve the quality of our health care.     

Coagulation parameters in copperhead compared to other Crotalinae envenomation: secondary analysis of the F(ab’)2 versus Fab antivenom trial

Context: Coagulation derangements in copperhead envenomation are considered less severe than other crotaline envenomations, resulting in recommendations to limit both coagulation testing and antivenom treatment. A prospective, blinded, multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of F(ab’)₂ versus Fab antivenom in crotaline envenomation patients was completed in 2011. We determined the difference between coagulation parameters in copperhead compared to other crotaline envenomations.

Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis comparing the coagulation parameters (platelets and fibrinogen) prospectively obtained in the aforementioned trial. All the patients received antivenom in one of three treatment arms [F(ab’)₂ with maintenance, F(ab’)₂ with placebo maintenance, or Fab with maintenance]. Coagulation parameters were measured at pretreatment baseline, during acute hospitalization, day 5, day 8, and day 15 post-envenomation. Mean platelet count and fibrinogen levels for the copperhead and other crotaline groups were compared. The platelet and fibrinogen point estimates with distribution are presented graphically over time.

Results: 122 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 22 patients with copperhead envenomation, 93 with other crotaline envenomations, and 7 that could not be definitively determined. The mean age was 42 (SD 20) years. There was a minor pretreatment difference in mean baseline platelet count between the copperhead group (246?×?109/L 95% CI 215, 277) compared to other crotaline envenomation patients (184?×?109/L 95% CI 167, 202). There was a modest pretreatment difference in mean fibrinogen level between copperhead patients (345?mg/dL 95% CI 277, 415) and other crotaline patients (261mg/dL 95% CI 241, 281). Pretreatment coagulation parameter means were normal and converged post treatment.

Conclusion: On average, copperhead envenomations have less severe initial coagulation derangements. However, in mild envenomations, differences in laboratory values are minimal and there is substantial variation in individual patients regardless of species. Species alone should not be used to determine the need for laboratory testing or treatment in crotaline snakebite.     

Early administration of Fab antivenom resulted in faster limb recovery in copperhead snake envenomation patients

Background: No previous research has studied whether early snake antivenom administration leads to better clinical outcomes than late antivenom administration in North American pit viper envenomation.

Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of Fab antivenom (FabAV) versus placebo for copperhead snake envenomation was conducted. Patients treated before the median time to FabAV administration were classified as receiving early treatment and those treated after the median time were defined as the late treatment group. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare time to full recovery on the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) instrument between groups. Secondary analyses compared estimated mean PSFS scores using a generalized linear model and the estimated proportion of patients with full recovery at each time point using logistic regression. To evaluate for confounding, the main analysis was repeated using data from placebo-treated subjects.

Results: Forty-five subjects were treated with FabAV at a median of 5.47?h after envenomation. Patients in the early treatment group had a significantly shorter time to full recovery than those treated late (median time: 17 versus 28 days, p?=?.025). Model-estimated PSFS scores were numerically higher at each time point in the early group. No difference was found between patients treated early versus late with placebo.

Conclusions: In this secondary analysis of trial data, recovery of limb function was faster when Fab antivenom was administered soon after envenomation, as opposed to late administration.     

Detection of Loxosceles venom in lesional hair shafts and skin: application of a specific immunoassay to identify dermonecrotic arachnidism

Loxosceles spiders, of which the brown recluse is the best known, are indigenous to southcentral and southwestern regions of the United States. Loxosceles spider envenomation frequently results in painful, centrally necrotic, erythematous skin lesions that evolve over 24 to 48 hours and may take several weeks to completely heal. The diagnosis of loxoscelism is typically is based on the presence of the characteristic dermal lesion, because no definitive clinical diagnostic assay exists, and the spider is generally not available for identification. We used a rapid Loxosceles-specific enzyme immunoassay to detect spider venom in a dermal biopsy and hairs plucked from a suspicious skin lesion on the lower extremity of a 52-year-old man. This report indicates that in using a novel Loxosceles-specific immunoassay, venom can be detected in dermonecrotic skin and hair specimens for up to 4 days after envenomation.     

Fish breeder granuloma: infection caused by Mycobacterium marinum and other atypical mycobacteria in the human. Analysis of 8 cases and review of the literature

Granulomatous lesions of the skin and tendon sheaths after exposure to fish tank or aquarium water are frequently caused by non-tuberculous so-called atypical mycobacteria. Mycobacterium marinum is the species most often isolated from such lesions. Rarely, other non-tuberculous species of mycobacteria may be isolated. In contrast to swimming-pool granuloma as the epidemic form of Mycobacterium marinum infection of man, fish tank granuloma seems to be a rare sporadic human disease that is often misdiagnosed. We report eight cases of fish tank granuloma. Five patients had sporotrichoid lesions, and one patient had a singular lesion. Three patients presented with tenosynovitis. Culture-proven Mycobacterium marinum infection was found in four patients, in one patient the causative organism isolated from the biopsy specimen was identified as Mycobacterium kansasii. In three patients with typical appearance of the lesions and exposure to fish tank water, biopsy specimens for culture were not available, and the diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed. Surgical treatment had an unfavourable outcome in two of three patients. Conservative antimicrobial therapy was evaluated in six patients. Similar to published reports, the treatment with rifampicin in combination with other agents seemed to be a useful therapy. Complete remission was, however, also achieved with doxycycline monotherapy. Microbiological diagnosis should be attempted in suspected cases of fish tank granuloma, and, if therapy is indicated, we strongly suggest primary medical treatment.     

Usefulness of low-level laser for control of painful stomatitis in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the control of painful stomatitis in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). BACKGROUND DATA: LLLT has been successfully applied to various painful oral mucosal diseases, although there have been few reports on LLLT for HFMD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial, the painful period of HFMD stomatitis was compared between the LLLT group (n=11) and the placebo LLLT one (n=9), which had similar clinical backgrounds. The LLLT parameters supplied were as follows: wavelength of 830 nm, power of 30 mW, frequency of 30 Hz, and energy output of 1.1 J/cm2. Acceptability and safety of the treatment were also evaluated. RESULTS: The painful period was shorter in the LLLT group (4.0 +/- 1.3 days) than in the placebo LLLT one (6.7 +/- 1.6 days) with a statistically significant difference (p<0.005). The treatment was judged acceptable for 90.0% (18 of 20) of patients. No adverse events were observed in any cases. CONCLUSION: LLLT is a useful method to control HFMD stomatitis by shortening the painful period, with its high acceptability and lack of adverse events.     

Tracheal intubation prevented with administration of Fab antivenom after severe crotaline envenomation

Background: Crotaline snake envenomations are common, but severe crotaline envenomations are infrequent. Death from severe envenomation is usually from upper airway edema and respiratory failure. Published reports of severe respiratory compromise and anaphylactoid reactions are rare. Currently, FabAV (Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab [Ovine] [CroFab]) is the mainstay of crotaline envenomation treatment; however, FabAV has been approved for only mild and moderate envenomations. Case report: We describe a case of a male with severe systemic effects and airway compromise after crotaline envenomation. The patient's systemic effects and upper airway edema substantially improved after antivenom infusion and before epinephrine administration. Endotracheal intubation was averted, clinical deterioration was avoided, and improvement occurred after prompt FabAV use. Conclusion: Fab antivenom likely prevented endotracheal intubation in our case of severe crotaline envenomation.     

Severe bark scorpion envenomation in adults*

Introduction: The preponderance of medical literature regarding severe bark scorpion envenomation describes pediatric patients; however, the majority (>66%) of annual poison center calls pertain to adults. This retrospective review sought to evaluate the clinical manifestations of adults with severe Centruroides sculpturatus envenomation and determine if significant morbidity occurred.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of adults presenting to a single tertiary referral center with Grade-III or Grade-IV scorpion envenomation from 1 January 2007 to 3 March 2013. The primary objective is to describe clinical findings, treatment strategies, complications and short-term outcomes.

Results: Thirty-three patients were included; 61% were female (20/33), average age was 40.7 (19–81) years. The average time to healthcare facility was 142 (14–720) minutes. The most common signs and symptoms of envenomation were: pain/paresthesias 94%, opsoclonus 82%, excessive motor activity 76%, visual disturbance 76%. Benzodiazepines 85% (29/33) and opioids 83% (28/33) were the most frequently used agents to control envenomation. Cardiac evaluation was performed in 24% of patients, 6% were pregnant and underwent fetal monitoring, 6% were intubated and 3% developed rhabdomyolysis. Average length of stay (LOS) was 28.3 (1.5–307) hours; 58% (19/33) required hospital admission. Four patients had LOS >48?h, with pre-existing cardiac disease, substance misuse disorder, acute ethanol withdrawal and medical errors identified as factors contributing to prolonged LOS.

Conclusions: Bark scorpion envenomation in adults may be severe, necessitating medical intervention and hospital admission. Comorbid conditions and complications arising from treatment may contribute to prolonged LOS.     

Scorpion-related cardiomyopathy: Clinical characteristics,pathophysiology, and treatment

Abstract

Context. Scorpion envenomation is a threat to more than 2 billion people worldwide with an annual sting number exceeding one million. Acute heart failure presenting as cardiogenic shock or pulmonary edema, or both is the most severe presentation of scorpion envenomation accounting for 0.27% lethality rate. Objective. The purpose of this review is to characterize the scorpion-related cardiomyopathy, clarify its pathophysiological mechanisms, and describe potentially useful treatments in this particular context. Methods. We searched major databases on observational or interventional studies (whether clinical or experimental) on the cardiorespiratory consequences of scorpion envenomation and their treatment. No limit of age or language was imposed. A critical appraisal of the literature was conducted in order to provide a pathophysiological scheme that reconciles reported patterns of cardiovascular toxicity and hypotheses and assumptions made so far. Results. Early cardiovascular dysfunction is related to the so-called “vascular phase” of scorpion envenomation, which is related to a profound catecholamine-related vasoconstriction leading to a sharp increase in left ventricular (LV) afterload, thereby impeding LV emptying, and increasing LV filling pressure. Following this vascular phase, a myocardial phase occurs, characterized by a striking alteration in LV contractility (myocardial stunning), low cardiac output, and hypotensive state. The right ventricle involvement is symmetric to that of LV with a profound and reversible alteration in right ventricular performance. This phase is unique in that it is reversible spontaneously or under inotropic treatment. Scorpion myocardiopathy combines the features of takotsubo myocardiopathy (or stress myocardiopathy) which is linked to a massive release in catecholamines leading to myocardial ischemia through coronary vasomotor abnormalities (epicardial coronary spasm and/or increase in coronary microvascular resistance). Treatment of pulmonary edema due to scorpion envenomation follows the same principles as those applied for the treatment of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in general: this begins with oxygen supplementation targeting an oxygen saturation of 92% or more, by oxygen mask, continuous positive airway pressure, noninvasive ventilation, or conventional mechanical ventilation. Dobutamine effectively improves hemodynamic parameters and may reduce mortality in severe scorpion envenomation. Conclusion. Scorpion cardiomyopathy is characterized by a marked and reversible alteration in biventricular performance. Supportive treatment relying on ventilatory support and dobutamine infusion is a bridge toward recovery in the majority of patients.     

Premature labor precipitated by red-back spider envenomation

Objective: To present the first reported case of premature labor complicating severe red-back spider envenomation and the use of antivenom in its treatment. Clinical features: A 33 year old multiparous woman, 30 weeks pregnant, arrived at hospital almost a day after being bitten. She displayed classical features of red-back spider envenomation and was having regular, moderately strong, uterine contractions. She had a history of premature labor with previous pregnancies. Intervention: She was treated initially with red-back spider antivenom followed shortly afterwards by an indomethacin suppository. This markedly improved her symptoms of envenomation and significantly reduced the strength and frequency of uterine contractions. A second ampoule of antivenom with another indomethacin suppository all but resolved the patient's clinical problems. She was discharged without sequelae. Data synthesis: Medline search was undertaken for reports of the complications of Latrodectus envenomation in pregnancy. Conclusion: Premature labor is a rare complication of red-back spider envenomation. Antivenom is a safe and essential part of its management.     

Venomous fish stings in tropical Northern Australia

Venomous fish stings are a common environment hazard worldwide. This study investigated the clinical effects and treatment of venomous fish stings. A prospective observational case series of patients presenting with venomous fish stings was conducted in tropical northern Australia. Twenty-two fish stings were included; subjects were 3 females and 19 males; mean age 35 (range 10-63). 9 by stingrays, 8 by catfish, 1 by a stonefish, 1 by a silver scat (Selenotocota multifasciata), and 3 by unknown fish. All patients had severe pain, but less commonly erythema, 3 cases (14%); swelling, 7 cases (33%); bleeding, 5 cases (24%); numbness, 4 cases (19%); and radiating pain, 3 cases (14%). Mild systemic effects occurred in one stingray injury. Treatment included hot water immersion, which was completely effective in 73% of cases, analgesia, wound exploration and prophylactic antibiotics. Stingray injuries should be explored and debrided with large wounds, while other stings only need appropriate cleaning. The routine use of antibiotics is not recommended.     

Massive European wasp envenomation of a child

Envenomation is a unique area of emergency medicine which interfaces acute emergency care with zoological research and public education. A considerable amount is known about envenomation by the snakes and spiders of Australia, which are among the most venomous in the world. There is little known, however, about massive envenomation by the European wasp (species Vespula germanica, family Vespidae), a recently introduced, aggressive and venomous vespid wasp. Allergy to bee, wasp and ant venom (order Hymenoptera) is well reported in the literature but there has been no documentation of systemic allergic reactions following massive vespid envenomation. Massive envenomation by vespid wasps in Australia has not been reported, although there are international reports of serious morbidity and a number of fatalities. This paper reports a massive European wasp envenomation in Melbourne and reviews the international literature. In this case, in contrast to the literature on massive vespid wasp envenomation, there is predominance of central nervous system toxicity with no major metabolic disturbance. The management of massive vespid envenomation includes standard supportive care and close laboratory monitoring for early evidence of haemolysis, rhabdomyolysis and metabolic derangement, which may significantly precede any clinical deterioration. Serious complications may be delayed and it is advised to follow up patients for 72 hours. There is potential for further research into vespid wasp venom and a need for increased public awareness of preventative strategies in Australia.     

Two cases of acute renal failure after brown snake bite

Two patients from southern metropolitan Perth presented to Fremantle Hospital within a three week period with brown snake (genus Pseudonaja) envenomation, resulting in coagulopathy, thrombocytopaenia, anaemia and acute renal failure. Coagulopathy and thrombocytopaenia are well recognised complications of brown snake bite. However acute renal failure from brown snake bite has been described on only six previous occasions in the Australian literature, three from Western Australia in 1976. In these three cases, the genus of snake was not confirmed and the atypical envenomation syndromes suggested that other genera may have been responsible. In our patients, brown snake envenomation was confirmed with the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories Venom Detection Kit. The renal failure was self-limiting in both cases though one patient required dialysis for 12 days. Neither patient developed rhabdomyolysis or myoglobinuria. These are the first cases of acute renal failure complicating definite brown snake envenomation reported from Western Australia. The most likely snake in both cases was the dugite (P affinis), however gwardar (P nuchalis) envenomation could not be excluded. Renal failure after brown snake bite is a rare but important complication.