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Near fatal envenomation from the funnel-web spider in an infant
1Department of Emergency Medicine, New Children's Hospital, Westmead, Australia.
Insights
Immediate first aid and antivenom administration are crucial for infant survival following Sydney funnel-web spider envenomation. Prompt treatment led to a full recovery in a nine-month-old, highlighting the effectiveness of rapid medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Arachnology
Background:
- Significant envenomation in children necessitates prompt first aid, resuscitation, and antivenom.
- Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) bites can cause life-threatening envenomation, particularly in infants.
Observation:
- A nine-month-old infant experienced severe envenomation from an Atrax robustus bite.
- The infant received immediate first aid, including a pressure immobilization bandage, and resuscitation.
- Funnel-web spider-specific antivenom was administered promptly.
Findings:
- The infant survived the life-threatening envenomation.
- The infant was discharged two days post-envenomation with no adverse effects from the bite or antivenom.
- Survival was attributed to immediate first aid, aggressive supportive care, and repeated doses of antivenom.
Implications:
- Early and aggressive management, including specific antivenom, is critical for pediatric survival after Sydney funnel-web spider envenomation.
- This case underscores the importance of rapid first aid and medical intervention in managing severe spider bites in infants.
- Effective treatment protocols can lead to excellent outcomes even in severe pediatric envenomation cases.
Abstract:
Children with significant envenomation require early first aid, resuscitation, and the administration of antivenom at the earliest possible time to survive. The case of a nine-month-old infant with life-threatening massive envenomation from the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) is presented. The infant was administered life-saving first aid (pressure immobilization bandage) and resuscitation measures prior to and during the administration of funnel-web-specific antivenom. The infant was discharged two days after the initial envenomation, without sequelae from the envenomation or antivenom. The survival of this infant is attributed to the immediate use of first aid, together with aggressive supportive measures and the administration of repeated doses of specific antivenom.