The Medical journal of Australia
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Biography Historical Article
The first anaesthetics in Australia: an historical update.
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Case Reports
Antivenom use in Australia. Premedication, adverse reactions and the use of venom detection kits.
To analyse reports of antivenom use and sequelae in Australia from July 1 1989 to June 30 1990. The value of snake venom detection kits (VDKs) was also analysed. ⋯ Antivenoms in Australia are well tolerated with few immediate or delayed reactions. The use of premedication and prophylactic oral corticosteroids for four to five days after antivenom administration may be responsible for this low reaction rate. VDK results help select the appropriate antivenom; however, in some cases positive results were obtained from urine samples from patients with no symptoms of envenomation.