Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2003
Case ReportsEnvenomation by the Mexican beaded lizard: a case report.
Envenomations by venomous lizards are rare. A single report of envenomation by a Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) has been published. Further, anaphylaxis secondary to lizard envenomation has only been reported with the Gila monster. We report an envenomation that resulted in both systemic toxicity and anaphylaxis. ⋯ Significant envenomations by members of the Helodermatidae family are rare. Systemic toxicity usually resolves within one to two days with supportive care. Prior envenomations may predispose patients to anaphylactic reactions.
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There is an enormous diversity and complexity of venoms and poisons in marine animals. Fatalities have occurred from envenoming by sea snakes, jellyfish, venomous fish such as stonefish, cone snails, and blue-ringed octopus. Deaths have also followed ingestion of toxins in shellfish, puffer fish (Fugu), and ciguatoxin-containing fish. ⋯ This unprecedented rapid onset of cardiotoxicity in clinical envenoming suggests that antivenom may need to be given very early (within minutes) and possibly in large doses if a life is to be saved. Forty years of anecdotal experience supports the beneficial effect of stonefish antivenom in relieving the excruciating pain after stonefish spine penetration. It remains uncertain whether stonefish antivenom is efficacious in stings from spines of other venomous fish, and the recommendation of giving the antivenom intramuscularly needs reassessment.
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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.
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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.