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Survival after massive (>2000) Africanized honeybee stings
C L Díaz-Sánchez1, A Lifshitz-Guinzberg, G Ignacio-Ibarra
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Especialidades Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|May 7, 1998
Summary
A man survived over 2000 Africanized bee stings, experiencing anaphylactic shock and organ failure. Prompt medical treatment, including dialysis and plasmapheresis, led to a full recovery with no lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Africanized bees pose a significant public health risk due to their aggressive nature and mass stinging events.
- Massive hymenopteran envenomation can lead to severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis and multiorgan dysfunction.
Observation:
- A clinical case of a male patient who sustained over 2000 Africanized bee stings is presented.
- The patient exhibited severe anaphylactic shock and multisystem organ failure, affecting neurological, hepatic, renal, and hematologic systems.
Findings:
- Aggressive supportive care was crucial for survival.
- Treatment modalities included dopamine hydrochloride, antihistamines, corticosteroids, fluid and electrolyte management, peritoneal dialysis, and plasmapheresis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of rapid and comprehensive medical intervention in managing severe bee sting envenomation.
- Successful management of massive Africanized bee attacks is possible, even in cases of profound systemic compromise.
- Further research into optimal treatment protocols for mass envenomation syndromes is warranted.