Biomedical subjects

B Nimorakiotakis

Publications and source records attributed to B Nimorakiotakis.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Spider bite--the redback spider and its relatives.

BACKGROUND: Redback spider bite is thought to be the commonest serious spider bite in Australia. The treatment for the envenomation syndrome it causes, termed 'latrodectism', is the most frequently used antivenom in Australia. Several cases of a 'latrodectism-like' illness after cupboard spider bites ('steatodism') have also appeared to respond to redback antivenom. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the key presenting features of redback spider envenomation and discusses treatment for bites by this spider and that of its close relatives, the cupboard spider. It is intended that this information will assist general practitioners in the diagnosis and management of spider bite in Australia. DISCUSSION: Redback spider antivenom is safe and appears to be broadly cross reactive with the venom of other spiders of the Theridiidae family. Guidelines for the use of this product are also provided.

Antivenins↗

PubMed2004

The funnel web and common spider bites.

BACKGROUND: The funnel web spiders, encompassed within the genera Atrax and Hadronyche, are the most dangerous spiders in the world. Although the incidence of envenomation is low, funnel web spiders remain a cause of considerable public concern. However, most common spider bites produce only minor effects-requiring only symptomatic treatment. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the clinical features and treatment of the funnel web spider and that of its close relative, the mouse spiders. It also covers the question of necrotising arachnidism as well as bites from other common species of spiders. DISCUSSION: Appropriate first aid combined with the administration of specific antivenom can be life saving for funnel web spider bites. True necrotising arachnidism appears to be rare. If suspected, clinicians must first consider the very wide differential diagnoses.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Marine envenomations. Part 1--Jellyfish.

BACKGROUND: Many venomous marine creatures inhabit Australian waters, causing significant morbidity and occasional fatalities. Part 1 of this article looks at jellyfish envenomations, an important overall cause of marine injuries. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the features of envenomation by some of the more commonly encountered jellyfish of medical significance, and the recommended first aid and medical management of such envenomations. DISCUSSION: It is intended that the information contained in this article will be informative to general practitioners dealing with jellyfish stings throughout Australia. Much of what we know has come from the astute observations of GPs in tropical Australia. However, there remains a lot to be learnt about jellyfish envenomation.

Antivenins↗

PubMed2003

Marine envenomations. Part 2--Other marine envenomations.

BACKGROUND: Australian waters contain a variety of venomous creatures, including jellyfish, stinging fish, blue-ringed octopus, sea snakes, cone snails and stingrays. OBJECTIVE: Part 2 of this article focusses on common marine envenomations other than jellyfish stings. DISCUSSION: Even though mortality from these envenomations is low, there is a high level of morbidity especially with stonefish and other stinging fish envenomations. Some envenomations, however, are serious enough to require antivenom treatment and deaths still occasionally occur.

Australia↗