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Red-back spider bites to Perth children, 1979-1988
1Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, Western Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Children bitten by red-back spiders in Perth experienced illness patterns similar to adults. Contrary to belief, children may not face higher morbidity from latrodectism, as few required more than one antivenom dose.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Arachnology
Background:
- Red-back spider bites are a common concern, particularly for children.
- Previous studies suggested children might face increased morbidity from latrodectism compared to adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the illness patterns in children bitten by red-back spiders in Perth, Western Australia.
- To compare pediatric red-back spider bite cases with adult data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of case notes for 241 children admitted to hospitals between 1979 and 1988 with suspected red-back spider bites.
- Defined criteria for definite bites and systemic envenomation.
- Compared antivenom usage in children with historical adult data.
Main Results:
- 65% of children had definite red-back spider bites, with peak incidence in warmer months and male preponderance.
- Bites predominantly affected extremities and occurred during daytime.
- 21% of children received antivenom, with none requiring more than one ampoule, suggesting lower morbidity than previously thought.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric red-back spider bites present with syndromes similar to adults.
- Children may not be at increased risk of morbidity from latrodectism, challenging existing clinical opinions.
- Further research can refine treatment protocols for pediatric latrodectism.