Patient survival and limb salvage after shark attack with major vascular injury: A case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Shark attacks are rare unique pathological processes. Some of them represent devastating injuries with a high morbidity and significant mortality. Related published articles are limited. The increased human interaction within the environment of sharks is the cause of rising incidence of such attacks. This study reported a case of level 4 shark injuries (shark-induced trauma scale) in a 33-year-old male patient, who presented with an extensive injury of the right lower limb with the characteristic features of shark bite. At admission the patient was in a state of shock with profuse bleeding that was controlled by tourniquet. The patient was resuscitated according to the advanced trauma life support. Clinical examination showed hard signs of vascular injury with absent pedal pulse, associated neurological deficits and severance at the knee joint. Prompt vascular intervention after resuscitation was performed to manage the major vascular injuries, together with proper washout and debridement of all the necrotic tissues under strong antibiotic coverage to prevent infection. After that, the patient underwent sequenced plastic, orthopedic, and neurological interventions. Strict follow-up was conducted, which showed that the patient was saved and achieved a functioning limb. This study aims to highlight the management of level 4 shark injuries, which are considered serious and challenging with a high fatality rate and a great risk of amputation due to the associated major vascular injuries. Immediate well organized management plan is crucial. Prompt resuscitation and surgical intervention by a highly-skilled medical team are required to improve the chance of patient survival and limb salvage.

Algunos aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos relacionados con mordeduras de perro en niños / Some clinical and epidemiological aspects related to dog bites in children

Introducción: Las mordeduras de perro afectan fundamentalmente a pacientes en la edad pediátrica, estas engendran peligros como secuelas estéticas y la posibilidad implícita de transmisibilidad del virus de la rabia a seres humanos. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de las mordeduras de perro en niños. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de mordedura de perro con necesidad de inmunización pasiva y activa, ingresados en el Servicio de Miscelánea del Hospital Infantil Sur Antonio María Béguez César de Santiago de Cuba, del 1ro de enero de 2017 al 31 de diciembre de 2018. Resultados: En los pacientes incluidos en el estudio predominaron los del sexo masculino (57,7 por ciento), los grupos de edades de 1 a 5 años 11 meses y 29 días, y de 6 a 10 años 11 meses y 29 días fueron los de mayor incidencia. Aunque no existió asociación estadística entre la localización anatómica de las lesiones y la edad, fueron las de miembros inferiores las más frecuentes en todas las edades con 63 pacientes (40,4 por ciento); destacándose como complicaciones la celulitis, las lesiones óseas y las secuelas estéticas; ningún niño presentó infección rábica. En el 50 por ciento de los casos la mordedura ocurrió en el horario nocturno y los perros de otro domicilio causaron la mayor parte de las agresiones. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de mordeduras de perro se realizó con mayor frecuencia en niños del sexo masculino de uno y más años, en el horario nocturno y la principal complicación fue la celulitis(AU)

Introduction: Dog bites mainly affect patients in pediatric ages. They pose dangers such as esthetic sequels and the implicit possibility of transmission of the rabies virus to human beings. Objective: Characterize the clinical-epidemiological behavior of dog bites in children. Methods: An observational longitudinal prospective study was conducted of patients diagnosed with dog bite requiring passive and active immunization admitted to the Miscellany Service of Antonio María Béguez César South Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018. Results: Among the patients included in the study there was a predominance of the male sex (57.7 percent). The age groups 1 to 5 years 11 months and 29 days and 6 to 10 years 11 months and 29 days showed the greatest incidence. Though no statistical association was found between anatomical location of the injuries and age, bites on the lower limbs were the most common at all ages with 63 patients (40.4 percent). Outstanding complications were cellulitis, bone lesions and esthetic sequels. No child had rabies infection. In 50 percent of the cases the bite occurred in the night hours. Most of the attacks were performed by dogs from other households. Conclusions: Dog bite diagnosis was more common among male children aged one year and over. Most bites occurred in the night hours. The main complication was cellulitis(AU)

A rare cause of vertebral osteomyelitis: the first case report of rat-bite fever in Portugal

Abstract Rat-bite fever is a rarely diagnosed illness caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis . Although this disease is distributed worldwide, there have been few cases reported in Europe. Here, we report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis and sternoclavicular septic arthritis caused by S. moniliformis in a Portuguese patient previously bitten by a rat. Laboratory diagnosis was performed using molecular identification. This is the first case report of rat-bite fever in Portugal. The case described here serves as a reminder for physicians to consider this diagnosis in patients who have developed fever syndromes after being in contact with rodents.

Dermatosis neutrofílica de las manos y rostro posterior a mordedura de perro: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands and face after dog bite: case report and literature review

La Dermatosis neutrofílica de las manos es consi-derada una variante localizada acral del Síndrome de Sweet, más frecuente en mujeres y principal-mente asociada a enfermedades hematológicas. Las lesiones aparecen como pápulas, vesículas, nó-dulos, placas, úlceras y ampollas, principalmente en el dorso de las manos. Aproximadamente la mi-tad de los pacientes presenta fenómeno de patergia como factor desencadenante.En el presente caso clínico se describe una derma-tosis neutrofílica de las manos posterior a morde-dura de perro, asociado a mielofibrosis primaria y desarrollo de lesiones faciales.

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands is conside-red an acral localized variant of Sweet Syndrome, more frequent in women and mainly associated with hematological diseases. The lesions appear as papules, vesicles, nodules, plaques, ulcers, and blisters, mainly on the back of the hands. Appro-ximately half of the patients present a phenome-non of pathergy as a triggering factor. Herein we describe a case of neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands after a dog bite, associated with primary myelofibrosis and development of facial lesions.

Niños con mordeduras de animales hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay / Children with animal bites hospitalized in a reference center of Uruguay

Resumen: Introducción: Las mordeduras de animales constituyen un problema sanitario. Pueden producir lesiones de diversa gravedad con riesgo de secuelas estéticas, funcionales y complicaciones infecciosas. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, los tratamientos y las complicaciones de las lesiones por mordeduras de animales en niños hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los niños hospitalizados por mordeduras de animales entre 2014 y 2017. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se registraron el animal involucrado, el tipo de lesiones, los tratamientos, las complicaciones y si el caso se notificó al Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: Se hospitalizaron 106 niños (media de edad: 4.5 años). El animal involucrado más común fue el perro (80.2%), seguido de roedores (8.5%), arácnidos (4.7%) y otros (6.5%). Las lesiones fueron en su mayoría únicas (61.3%) y superficiales (80.2%), y la hospitalización se hizo en cuidados moderados en el 91.5% de los casos. Los tratamientos se centraron en higiene (96.2%), sutura (70.8%) y profilaxis antibiótica (81.1%). Se presentaron complicaciones en el 77.4% de los casos. En tres fue posible el aislamiento del agente etiológico más frecuente: Streptococcus pyogenes. El 20.7% de los casos se notificaron al Ministerio de Salud. No se registró letalidad. Conclusiones: Del total de los niños hospitalizados, los más afectados fueron varones menores de 5 años. Predominaron las lesiones en la cabeza y los miembros, mayoritariamente leves y superficiales. En el 77.4% de los casos hubo complicaciones, principalmente infecciosas y estético-funcionales.

Abstract: Background: Animal bites are a health problem that can produce lesions of varying severity, with the risk of aesthetic and functional sequelae and infectious complications. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological, treatment and complications of lesions caused by animal bites in children hospitalized in a reference center in Uruguay. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study. All children hospitalized for animal bites between 2014 and 2017 were included. Medical records were reviewed and data, such as the animal involved, injuries, treatments, complications, and if the case was notified to the Ministry of Health, were recorded. Results: A total of 106 children were hospitalized, with a mean age 4.5 years. The animals involved were dogs (80.2%), rodents (8.5%), arachnids (4.7%), and others (6.5%). The majority of the lesions were superficial (80.2%), and 91.5% of the cases were hospitalized in moderate care. The treatments were hygiene (96.2%), suture (70.8%), and antibiotic prophylaxis (81.1%). There were complications in 77.4% of the cases. In three cases, the isolation of the most frequent etiological agent was possible: Streptococcus pyogenes. Notification to the Ministry of Health occurred in 20.7% of the cases. No lethality was recorded. Conclusions: A total of 106 children were hospitalized due to animal bites. The most affected were males under 5 years old. Most of them were bitten at home or nearby. Dogs and rodents were the most involved animals. There were predominantly head and limb lesions, mostly mild and superficial. Complications occurred in 77.4% of cases, mainly infectious and aesthetic-functional.

Delayed healthcare and secondary infections following freshwater stingray injuries: risk factors for a poorly understood health issue in the Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study aimed to describe the profile of freshwater stingray injuries in the State of Amazonas, Brazilian Amazon, and to identify the associated risk factors for secondary infections. METHODS This cross-sectional study used surveillance data from 2007 to 2014 to identify factors associated with secondary infections from stingray injuries. RESULTS A total of 476 freshwater stingray injuries were recorded, with an incidence rate of 1.7 cases/100,000 person/year. The majority of injuries were reported from rural areas (73.8%) and 26.1% were related to work activities. A total of 74.5% of patients received medical assistance within the first 3 hours of injury. Secondary infections and necrosis were observed in 8.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Work-related injuries [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, confidence interval (CI); 1.87-9.13] and >24 hours from a sting until receiving medical care (OR; 15.5, CI; 6.77-35.40) were independently associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, work-related injuries and >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care were independently and significantly associated with the risk of secondary infection. The frequency of infection following sting injuries was 9%. The major factor associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection was a time period of >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care.

Anaphylactic reaction/angioedema associated with jellyfish sting

Abstract The most frequent jellyfish in Southern Brazil causes mainly local pain and skin plaques. A 3-year-old female bather presented an erythematous, irregular plaque on the left forearm after contact with a jellyfish and intense facial angioedema with facial flushing. The lungs had vesicular murmur, wheezes, and snorts, and pink and spumous secretion in the airways with intercostal retraction. She was administered subcutaneous adrenaline (0.1mg/kg) and hydrocortisone intravenous (10mg/kg) with total recovery in a few minutes. The manifestations of anaphylactic reactions are distinct from those of envenomations, and prompt and adequate care is fundamental in these situations.

Injuries caused by freshwater stingrays in the Tapajós River Basin: a clinical and sociodemographic study

Abstract INTRODUCTION Freshwater stingray envenomations are an important cause of morbidity in riverine populations living in various regions of Brazil. The sequelae include temporary or permanent disability. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects related to stingray injuries in such populations. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Extractive Reserve of Tapajos-Arapiuns, located in the municipalities of Santarém and Aveiro (Pará State). A convenience sample comprising 300 local adults was used to obtain data by means of a questionnaire/ interview. RESULTS Overall, 19 (6.3%) participants reported having sustained a stingray injury in the 12 months prior to the study. All 19 were injured either while fishing (n=13 [68.4%]) or engaging in other riverine activities. Most injuries [n=14 (73.7%)] occurred from September through November, and most injured respondents [n=15 (78.9%)] reported seeing stingrays at beaches. Severe pain and the appearance of ulcers in the later stages of envenomation were described by 18 (94.7%) and 12 (63.2%) participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Freshwater stingray injuries, which should be considered occupational injuries, are common in the study area, especially in places like beaches or in the lakes that form during the dry season, when stingrays are routinely observed. A significant proportion of respondents was unaware of the correct first aid measures and had insufficient resources to treat the complications of these injuries in the locality where they reside. Interactive activities involving local residents - such as lectures and the distribution of simple pamphlets providing information about stingray injuries - are needed.

Tétanos secundario a mordedura y arañazo de gato en una paciente previamente vacunada / Tetanus after cat scratch and bites in a previously immunized patient

Tetanus is declining due to vaccination, professional labor management and appropriate wound care. Tetanus cases have been reported despite immunization. We report the case of a previously healthy 21 years old female patient that presented a mild generalized tetanus requiring admission after mild and recurrent cat scratch and bites. She had received six vaccine shots during childhood, and a booster dose five years earlier after a rabbit bite. Symptoms appeared seven weeks after the last contact, and included headache, muscle spasms and mild opisthotonus. Laboratory evaluation, including CSF analysis and microbiological investigation, as well as imaging studies were all normal. The patient received 6,000 IU of human antitoxin immunoglobulin. No autonomic manifestations or respiratory compromise were registered. Symptoms resolved rapidly and she was discharge after seven days with an order to complete a tetanus toxoid immunization schedule with three doses. Conclusions. Tetanus is possible in urban settings with a declining epidemiologic curve of disease in previously immunized patients. Severity of disease is modulated by previous vaccination.

El tétanos está en declinación gracias a la vacunación, manejo profesional del parto y el cuidado apropiado de las heridas. Se han reportado casos a pesar de la inmunización. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer previamente sana de 21 años que presentó un tétanos generalizado leve, luego de repetidas mordeduras y arañazos de su gato. Había recibido su esquema completo de seis dosis de vacuna antitetánica en la infancia y un refuerzo hacía cinco años luego de una mordedura por conejo. Los síntomas aparecieron siete semanas después del último contacto e incluyeron cefalea, espasmos musculares y opistótonos leve. La evaluación de laboratorio, incluyendo un estudio del LCR e imágenes fueron normales. La paciente recibió inmunoglobulina humana antitetánica. No hubo manifestaciones autonómicas ni compromiso respiratorio. Los síntomas regresaron rápidamente y se dio de alta a los siete días con indicación de completar tres dosis de vacuna antitetánica. Conclusiones: El tétanos es posible en ambientes urbanos con una curva epidemiológica en descenso en pacientes previamente inmunizados. La gravedad del cuadro es modulada por la vacunación previa.

Diagnostic imaging of injuries caused by venomous and traumatogenic catfish

Abstract: Injuries caused by fish are common in marine and freshwater environments. Catfish of the Ariidae and Pimelodidae families cause about 80% of those injuries. One of the complications of injuries caused by fish is the retention of fragments of the stinger in the wounds. Here we report five cases (of a total of 127 injuries caused by catfish in the Brazilian coast) in which the retained fragments were detected by radiological examination. Retained fragments should be considered in patients stung by catfish. A simple X-ray is sufficient to detect fragments of stingers in the wounds.

Hallux amputation after a freshwater stingray injury in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract: Freshwater stingray injuries are a common problem in the Brazilian Amazon, affecting mostly riverine and indigenous populations. These injuries cause severe local and regional pain, swelling and erythema, as well as complications, such as local necrosis and bacterial infection. Herein, we report a case of bacterial infection and hallux necrosis, after a freshwater stingray injury in the Brazilian Amazon, which eventually required amputation. Different antimicrobial regimens were administered at different stages of the disease; however, avoiding amputation through effective treatment was not achieved.

Venomous and poisonous arthropods: identification, clinical manifestations of envenomation, and treatments used in human injuries

Abstract This review presents the main species of venomous and poisonous arthropods, with commentary on the clinical manifestations provoked by the toxins and therapeutic measures used to treat human envenomations. The groups of arthopods discussed include the class Arachnida (spiders and scorpions, which are responsible for many injuries reported worldwide, including Brazil); the subphylum Myriapoda, with the classes Chilopoda and Diplopoda (centipedes and millipedes); and the subphylum Hexapoda, with the class Insecta and the orders Coleoptera (beetles), Hemiptera (stink bugs, giant water bugs, and cicadas), Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, and bees), and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).

Heridas por mordedura animal en la región maxilofacial: revisión de literatura y presentación de casos / Animal bite wounds in the maxillofacial region: a review of the literature and case reports

Las heridas por mordida en la región maxilofacial son relativamentecomunes y se consideran de tratamiento complejo; son contaminadas con una flora oral bacteriana única y, en ocasiones, tienen resultados estéticos devastadores. Las heridas pueden ser ocasionadas por animales domésticos, salvajes y humanos. El clínico debe tener una comprensión multidisciplinaria del manejo de las mismas, incluyendo el abordaje médico, quirúrgico, viral, bacteriológico y la secuencia propia del tratamiento. Se presenta una revisión de la literatura, así como casos clínicos para el tratamiento integral de este tipo de trauma.

Bite wounds in the maxillofacial region are relatively common and are regarded as diffi cult to treat given the associated contamination with what is a unique polymicrobial inoculum. The aesthetic consequences can occasionally prove devastating. The wounds can be caused by both domestic and wild animals, as well as by humans. Clinicians need to have a multidisciplinary understanding of how to manage such wounds, including surgical, medical, virological, and bacteriological aspects, and the proper sequence of treatment. We present a review of the literature and a number of clinical cases for the comprehensive management of this type of trauma.

Anaphylactic shock following the bite of a wild Kayan slow loris (Nycticebus kayan): implications for slow loris conservation

Asian slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are one of few known venomous mammals, yet until now only one published case report has documented the impact of their venomous bite on humans. We describe the reaction of a patient to the bite of a subadult Nycticebus kayan, which occurred in the Mulu District of Sarawak in 2012.Findings Within minutes of the bite, the patient experienced paraesthesia in the right side of the jaw, ear and right foot. By 40 minutes, swelling of the face was pronounced. The patient was admitted to Mulu National Park Health Clinic/Klinik Kesihatan Taman Mulu Tarikh, at which time he was experiencing: swollen mouth, chest pain, mild abdominal pain, nausea, numbness of the lips and mouth, shortness of breath, weakness, agitation and the sensation of pressure in the ears due to swelling. The blood pressure was 110/76, the heart ratio was 116 and oxygen saturation was 96%. The patient was treated intramuscularly with adrenaline (0.5 mL), followed by intravenous injection of hydrocortisone (400 mg) and then intravenous fluid therapy of normal saline (500 mg). By 8 h10 the next day, the patients condition had significantly improved with no nausea, and with blood pressure and pulse rate stable.Conclusions A handful of anecdotes further support the real danger that slow loris bites pose to humans. As the illegal pet trade is a major factor in the decline of these threatened species, we hope that by reporting on the danger of handling these animals it may help to reduce their desirability as a pet.

Envenomation caused by Rhopalurus amazonicus Lourenço, 1986 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) in Pará State, Brazil

Scorpions, mainly those belonging to the genus Tityus cause many deaths and injuries in Brazil, with tens of thousands of envenomations notified every year. However, injuries involving other scorpion species are scarcely registered. Among the sixteen species of the genus Rhopalurus, Thorell, 1876, described up to date, nine are found in this country, with only a confirmed case of human envenomation provoked by R. agamemnonKoch, 1839. The present case reports, for the first time, a case of scorpion sting in a human victim involving Rhopalurus amazonicus, endemic species of the west region of the Pará state, Amazon, Brazil. The symptoms of envenomation were local pain and paresthesia. This study contributes to develop the knowledge on venomous scorpions, particularly those that may cause envenomations in this region.

Infiltrated plaques resulting from an injury caused by the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris): a case report

Several species of octopus are considered venomous due to toxins present in the glands connected to their beak, which may be associated with hunt and kill of prey. Herein, we report an accident involving a common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) that injured an instructor during a practical biology lesson and provoked an inflamed infiltrated plaque on the hand of the victim. The lesion was present for about three weeks and was treated with cold compresses and anti-inflammatory drugs. It was healed ten days after leaving a hyperchromic macule at the bite site. The probable cause of the severe inflammation was the digestive enzymes of the glands and not the neurotoxins of the venom.

A case of Tinea nigra associated to a bite from a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Leporidae): the role of dermoscopy in diagnosis

We report a case of Tinea nigra in an adolescent living in Itapema, Santa Catarina, Brazil, who presented a hyperchromic macule on the palm of the left hand, close to another erythematous macule caused by a rabbit bite. The patient received guidance on accidents and animal bites and evolved well treated with topical butenafine for the dermatomycosis. The authors also highlight the efficacy of the dermoscopic exam in diagnosing Tinea nigra with animal bite lesions and other traumas.