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[Systemic reaction after pine processionary caterpillar ingestion. Conservative management?]
Esther Casado Verrier1, Miguel A Carro Rodríguez1, María de la Parte Cancho1
1Hospital General de Villalba, Madrid, España.
Archivos Argentinos De Pediatria
|May 11, 2016
Summary
Pine processionary caterpillars can cause rare systemic reactions in infants, including orofacial edema. Prompt drug treatment effectively resolved symptoms without severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Entomology
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Thaumetopoea pityocampa (pine processionary caterpillar) is a significant forest pest in Southern Europe.
- Larvae possess stinging hairs causing local skin reactions (urticaria) in humans.
- Systemic reactions to pine processionary caterpillars are uncommon.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old infant ingested a pine processionary caterpillar.
- The infant presented with orofacial edema, drooling, and urticaria.
- No signs of airway compromise or anaphylaxis were observed.
Findings:
- The infant experienced a systemic reaction following caterpillar ingestion.
- Medical intervention with medication successfully resolved the infant's symptoms.
- Aggressive interventions like intubation or endoscopy were deemed unnecessary.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe systemic reactions in infants exposed to pine processionary caterpillars.
- Early recognition and appropriate medical management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Further research into pediatric systemic reactions to insect envenomation is warranted.
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