The purpose of the present study was to investigate the biodistribution profile of the venom of Hemiscorpius lepturus, the most dangerous scorpion in Iran. Blood and tissue samples were taken at various predetermined intervals during a 400-minute period for the venom and a 360-minute period for the antivenom in rats. The radio-iodination was carried out using the chloramine-T method. The result...

The majority of snake bites in Central America are caused by Bothrops asper, whose venom induce complex local effects such as myonecrosis, edema and especially hemorrhage. These effects are only partially neutralized by the clinically used antivenom, even when administered rapidly after envenomation. Recently we screened 49 substances for antihemorrhagic activity and found that a mixture compos...

In this issue of International Immunopharmacology, Hilda Vásquez and her colleagues present the pharmacokinetics of an F(ab′)2 scorpion antivenom administered intramuscularly in human volunteers. Although to some readers' eyes this topic may appear frightfully esoteric, it in fact addresses a controversy that has plagued clinical toxinologists for decades, one that affects the life and health o...

Scorpion stings on humans are medically relevant because they may contain toxins that specifically target ion channels. During antivenom production, pharmaceutical companies must use a large number of experimental animals to ensure the antivenom's efficacy according to pharmacopeia methods. Here we present an electrophysiological alternative for the evaluation of horse antivenoms produced again...

Thirty-two patients with enzyme-immunoassay-proven death adder (Acanthophis sp.) bites were studied in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Eighteen were envenomed; local signs were rare and none had incoagulable blood, but all except one had signs of neurotoxicity. Five (27.7%) envenomed patients required intubation and ventilation. One patient developed renal failure, previously undescribed follow...

INTRODUCTION We report the unusual presentation and complications of a case of snakebite, involving a child and his mother, who were bitten by the same snake. CLINICAL PICTURE The mother was well but the child developed worsening local pain and swelling. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Test doses of antivenom were administered but he developed anaphylactic shock. Subsequently, he developed compartmen...

Administration of antivenom is currently the standard treatment for snake envenomation. However, it can sometimes cause anaphylactic reactions including urticaria, bronchospasm and hypotension. Furthermore, it may also provoke life-threatening complications, even though the mortality rate is less than 1%. In this study, we present a new treatment – immediate radical fang mark ablation – that wa...

Ten patients bitten by the puff-adder (Bitis arietans) were studied in the North of Nigeria. Six showed severe local signs, and four also had evidence of systemic envenoming, including spontaneous bleeding with thrombocytopenia, hypotension, and bradycardia. Two patients died after developing circulatory collapse and renal failure. Antivenom and intravenous fluid restored blood pressure in two ...

Sir—J M Polo and colleagues (June 22, p 2164) report aphasia in a farmer after he was bitten on the left thumb by a viper. He developed swelling and ecchymosis of the corresponding limb. He reported to hospital within 2 h of being bitten, and his status was an absolute indication for immediate administration of polyvalent antivenom, according to WHO recommendations, to avoid the systemic effect...

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of three polyspecific antivenoms for bites by pit vipers. DESIGN Randomised double blind comparative trial of three antivenoms. SETTING Shell, Pastaza, southeastern Ecuador. PARTICIPANTS 210 patients with incoagulable blood were recruited from 221 consecutive patients admitted with snake bite between January 1997 and December 2001. INTERVENTI...