2003/04/01 by Christopher Trethewy, Srinivas Bolisetty, Gavin Wheaton · 3 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies #Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology #Ion channel regulation and function #Envenomation #Spider #Geography #Zoology #Biology #Ecology #Venom
paper · doi:10.1046/j.1442-2026.2003.00435.x
openalex publication_date 2003/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical spectrum of Red-back spider (RBS) envenomation in children up to 12 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective case notes review of children with a discharge diagnosis of RBS bite from January 1992 to June 2001. The setting was Alice Springs Hospital, the main paediatric hospital for the whole region of Central Australia. The patients were 54 children, comprising 39 Aboriginal and 15 non-Aboriginal children. RESULTS: Forty-six (85%) children had systemic envenomation. The three most common systemic features are irritability, hypertension and sweating; 35 (65%) children had all three systemic features. Forty-five (83%) received antivenom therapy. The clinical characteristics and outcomes showed no significant difference between children 4 and > 4 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of systemic envenomation due to RBS bite in children in Central Australia. The triad of irritability, hypertension and sweating in a previously well child is highly suggestive of latrodectism.