Acute kidney injury due to systemic Loxoscelism: a cross-sectional study in Northeast Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Loxoscelism is a clinical condition involving spiders of the genus Loxosceles. One of the most severe complications is acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to investigate AKI and other complications associated with loxoscelism. METHODS: We analyzed cases diagnosed with loxoscelism in an area where most accidents were caused by Loxosceles amazonica from January 2010 to December 2015. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were recorded: 95.6% presented characteristic necrotic skin lesions and 13.3% AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Loxoscelism could cause kidney involvement which is uncommon and could lead to the death of these patients.

Experiencia en loxoscelismo cutáneo y cutáneo visceral de manejo hospitalario: clínica, evolución y propuesta terapéutica / Experience in visceral cutaneous and cutaneous loxoscelism of hospital management: clinical, evolution and therapeutic proposal

Resumen Introducción: El loxoscelismo es una patología frecuente en nuestro medio con un amplio espectro de presentaciones y diagnósticos diferenciales, con complicaciones potencialmente graves, e incluso con riesgo de muerte. A la fecha no existe un tratamiento estándar para estos pacientes. Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones clínicas, principales complicaciones, manejo terapéutico y evolución de pacientes internados por loxoscelismo en un hospital terciario en Chile. Pacientes y Método: Se analizaron todos los pacientes consultantes e internados por loxoscelismo en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile entre los años 2014 y 2017, evaluados en interconsulta por Dermatología. Revisión de los registros clínicos incluyendo semiología, imágenes, informes de laboratorio y tratamientos efectuados. Resultados: Se registraron 17 casos de loxoscelismo de manejo hospitalario, cuya presentación responde al patrón epidemiológico nacional. La mayoría de los casos fue manejada con antimicrobianos, corticosteroides sistémicos, antihistamínicos y dapsona. De ellos, 11,8% correspondieron a loxoscelismo cutáneo visceral, manejados exitosamente con medidas de soporte, corticosteroides sistémicos y antihistamínicos. El 59% presentó resolución de las lesiones al mes de tratamiento, con cicatriz residual leve o hiperpigmentación postinflamatoria, sin mortalidad en nuestra serie. Discusión: La mayoría de los casos de loxoscelismo cutáneo presentó excelente respuesta y rápida resolución del cuadro tras el tratamiento asociado de corticosteroides sistémicos, antimicrobianos y dapsona, sugiriendo que el uso de estas terapias podría detener la progresión de la necrosis cutánea y prevenir las complicaciones asociadas al loxoscelismo.

Background: Loxoscelism is a common pathology in our environment with a broad spectrum of differential diagnoses and presentations, with potentially serious complications, even to the point of death. To date, there is no standard treatment for these patients. Aim: To describe the clinical manifestations, main complications, therapeutic management, and evolution of loxoscelism in an inpatient setting from a tertiary hospital in Chile. Methods: All patients consulting and hospitalized in the hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with diagnosis of loxoscelism between 2014 to 2017 and evaluated by dermatologist were included. Review of clinical files, including symptoms, images, laboratory parameters and treatment. Results: We evaluated seventeen inpatient with loxoscelism, whose presentation responds to the national epidemiological pattern. Most cases were managed with antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, and dapsone. From these, 11.8% corresponded to viscerocutaneous loxoscelism, successfully managed with supportive measures, systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines. Fifty-nine percent healed their cutaneous lesions after one month of treatment, with slight residual scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, without associated mortality in our series. Discussion: Most cases of cutaneous loxoscelism presented excellent response and rapid resolution of the disease after combined therapy with systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics and dapsone, suggesting that the use of these therapies could stop the progression of cutaneous necrosis and prevent complications associated with loxoscelism.

Heterophilic antibodies in sera from individuals without loxoscelism cross-react with phospholipase D from the venom of Loxosceles and Sicarius spiders

Background Loxoscelism is a severe human envenomation caused by Loxosceles spider venom. To the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated the presence of antibodies against Loxosceles venom in loxoscelism patients without treatment with antivenom immunotherapy. We perform a comparative analysis for the presence of antibodies capable of recognizing Loxosceles venom in a group of patients diagnosed with loxoscelism and in a group of people without loxoscelism. Methods The detection of L. laeta venom, Sicarius venom and recombinant phospholipases D from Loxosceles (PLDs) in sera from people with loxoscelism (Group 1) and from healthy people with no history of loxoscelism (Group 2) was evaluated using immuno-dot blot, indirect ELISA, and Western blot. Results We found naturally heterophilic antibodies (IgG-type) in people without contact with Loxosceles spiders or any clinical history of loxoscelism. Either serum pools or single sera from Group 1 and Group 2 analyzed by dot blot tested positive for L. laeta venom. Indirect ELISA for venom recognition showed titles of 1:320 for Group 1 sera and 1:160 for Group 2 sera. Total IgG quantification showed no difference in sera from both groups. Pooled sera and purified IgG from sera of both groups revealed venom proteins between 25 and 32 kDa and the recombinant phospholipase D isoform 1 (rLlPLD1), specifically. Moreover, heterophile antibodies cross-react with PLDs from other Loxosceles species and the venom of Sicarius spider. Conclusions People without contact with the spider venom produced heterophilic antibodies capable of generating a cross-reaction against the venom of L. laeta and Sicarius spiders. Their presence and possible interference should be considered in the development of immunoassays for Loxosceles venom detection.

Infrared thermography to diagnose and manage venomous animal bites and stings

Abstract INTRODUCTION Infrared imaging (IR) is a noninvasive technique that quantifies body surface temperature, producing a digital color image. IR has been used to study diseases in which skin temperature can reflect the presence of inflammation. METHODS This was an observational pilot study of eight patients envenomed by snakes, spiders, and scorpions. All patients were examined using a thermal camera. RESULTS In all cases, we obtained infrared images that corroborated clinical findings indicating localized effects of venom, specifically inflammation. CONCLUSIONS IR has potential for use as a research, diagnostic, and monitoring tool for localized effects of animal venoms.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with spider bite

Abstract: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an acute febrile rash, usually induced by drugs, which recently has been linked to spider bite. We report a case of a male patient, 48 years old, with an erythematous rash accompanied by fever and small non-follicular pustules. He reported previous pain in the buttock with the onset of a necrotic plaque. The lesion was compatible with spider bite of the genus Loxosceles. According to the EuroSCAR group instrument, the patient scored +10 indicating definite diagnosis of AGEP. As the patient had a compatible lesion and had no other triggers of AGEP, in an Loxosceles endemic area, the AGEP would be associated with spider bite, as described in other publications.

Phoneutrismo en Piura: reporte de un caso clínico / Phoneutrism in Piura: a case report

Se presenta un caso de mordedura por Phoneutria nigriventer atendido en el C.S. I-1 ôEl Ingenioõ en el año 2015. El caso fue de sintomatología leve a moderada y de muy buena evolución en un paciente escolar por entrada accidental de la especie en su calzado. El phoneutrismo es un aracneismo poco habitual en el Perú debido al gran desconocimiento por parte del personal médico y paramédico con el consecuente subregistro de dichos casos; sobre todo en zonas rurales dedicadas a la producción de plátanos, observándose adaptación de la especie en la costa norte; por ello presentamos este caso, el cual permitirá identificar éstos accidentes para su apropiado manejo y control...

A case of a bite by Phoneutria nigriventer was treated in El Ingenio Health Center in 2015. The case had mild to moderate symptoms and it had a very good outcome in a schoolaged patient who had the bite because of an accidental entry of the spider in her shoes. Phoneutrism is a rare arachnidism in Peru, and medical and paramedical personnel are hardly aware of this condition, particularly in rural areas dedicated to banana production. There is adaptation of this species in the Peruvian Northern coast, and this is the reason why we present this case, so our colleagues may properly identify these cases for their proper management and control...

Loxoscelismo cutáneo predominantemente edematoso: a propósito de un caso / Cutaneous loxoscelism mainly edematous: a case report

In Chile, loxoscelism is caused by the bite of the Loxosceles laeta spider. The clinical presentation has two different forms: cutaneous loxoscelism (CL) and vicero-cutaneous loxoscelism, which is less frequent. Cutaneous loxoscelism includes an uncommon clinical variation (4%), called CL with edematous predominance (CLEP). We present a 5-year-old patient with sudden pain and edema on his right eyelid associated with fever, which progressed rapidly involving the right hemifacial area, frontal region, and left eyelid. Angioedema and pre-orbital cellulitis were discarded and CLEP was suspect. Cutaneous loxoscelism with an edematous predominance is self-limited, benign and with little or no necrotic injury due to the edema, which dilutes the toxin-induced enzymatic process causing necrosis. As in the reported cases it usually responds well to medical treatment and does not cause visceral involvement.

El loxoscelismo en Chile es un cuadro producido por la mordedura de la araña Loxosceles laeta. Las formas de presentación son: loxoscelismo cutáneo (LC) y loxoscelismo cutáneo-visceral (LCV), el último menos frecuente. Dentro del LC existe una variante poco común (4%) conocida como loxoscelismo cutáneo predominantemente edematoso (LCPE). Nuestro caso es un paciente de 5 años que consultó por cuadro de inicio súbito de dolor y edema palpebral derecho, asociado a fiebre el cual evolucionó con rápida progresión extendiéndose en la hemicara derecha, región frontal y párpado izquierdo. Se descartó un angioedema y una celulitis periorbitaria, sospechándose un LCPE. Se manejó con hidrocortisona y clorfenamina. El LCPE es un cuadro benigno, autolimitado, en que no está presente la lesión necrótica o ésta es insignificante. Predomina el edema, el cual abortaría la necrosis al diluir el proceso enzimático producido por el veneno. Tiene buena respuesta al tratamiento médico, con ausencia de compromiso visceral.

Acidente loxoscélico / Loxoscelic accident

Os acidentes com aranhas do gênero Loxosceles podem apresentar variadas evoluções clínicas, dificultando a realização do diagnóstico e a escolha correta de uma medida terapêutica. Este artigo de revisão tem como objetivo abordar os mais importantes mecanismos de evolução, principais desfechos e os tratamentos de escolha para o acidente loxoscélico (AU)

Accidents with Loxosceles genus spiders may have different clinical outcomes, hindering the diagnosis and the correct choice of a therapeutic measure. This review article aims to address the main mechanisms of evolution, main outcomes and treatments of choice for loxoscelic accident (AU)

Loxoscelismo cutáneo visceral: actualización en el manejo a propósito de un caso / Viscerocutaneous loxoscelism: case report and update on management

Loxoscelism is a condition produced by the bite of Loxosceles laeta. It can present as cutaneous loxoscelism with only vascular dermal manifestations or as viscerocutaneus loxoscelism with systemic compromise and a mortality rate of 1 to 3%. We report the case of an adult patient presenting viscerocutaneus loxoscelism, who was evolving with macrohematuria, edema, and progressive blisters, requiring treatment in the intensive care unit. He was treated according to the actual scientific evidence with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and dual antibiotic therapy covering Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and anaerobes, particularly penicillin and tetracycline resistant C. perfringens. The use of dapsone and antiloxosceles-serum was avoided. The patient showed a favorable clinical evolution.

El loxoscelismo es producido por la mordedura de la araña Loxosceles laeta. Puede ser cutáneo, con alteraciones vasculares o cutáneo-visceral, con manifestaciones sistémicas y una mortalidad de 1 a 3%. Se presenta el caso de un paciente adulto con loxoscelismo cutáneo-visceral, que evolucionó con hematuria macroscópica, edema y aparición de flictenas en forma progresiva en antebrazo, requiriendo ser trasladado a la Unidad de Tratamiento Intermedio. Fue manejado según la evidencia científica actual que recomienda el uso de antihistamínicos, corticoesteroides y terapia antibacteriana asociada para la cobertura de Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. y bacterias anaerobias, especialmente C. perfringens resistente a penicilina y tetracilina, evitando el uso de dapsona y de suero anti-loxosceles. Evolucionó de manera favorable.

Loxoscelismo cutáneo: revisión narrativa de un problema actual / Cutaneous loxoscelism: narrative review of a current problem

The endemic presence of Loxosceles laeta species in Chile determines a constant validity of loxoscelism in clinical practice. Among their clinical scope, cutaneous loxoscelismis the most common presentation and it usually requires surgical management. The objective of this article is to review basic knowledge, epidemiologic data, clinical and therapeutic knowledge and advances in this disease based on the available evidence. Evidence does not support the routinary use of any pharmacological agent in cutaneous loxoscelism. General therapeutic measures, adequate analgesia, the delimitation of thedermonecrotic area and in cases if needed a conservative surgical approach are recommended. The use of antibiotics should be restricted to cases of concomitant infection. Emphasis should be on prevention of these injuries, stressing the importance of early consultation in the emergency service, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of the systemic compromise. A conservative surgical approach minimizes unnecessary morbidity.

Avaliação da perfusão e função miocárdicas em vítimas de escorpionismo utilizando o Gated-SPECT / Assessment of myocardial perfusion and function in victims of scorpion envenomation using Gated-SPECT

FUNDAMENTO: O choque cardiogênico e o edema agudo de pulmão são as principais causas de óbito em pacientes com escorpionismo, cujo mecanismo fisiopatológico ainda é controverso. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a correlação entre os distúrbios da perfusão miocárdica e a função contrátil do ventrículo esquerdo, em vítimas de escorpionismo. MÉTODOS: Quinze pacientes submeteram-se à cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica sincronizada com ECG (Gated SPECT), dentro de 72 horas e 15 dias após o acidente escorpiônico. As imagens foram analisadas visualmente por escore semiquantitativo de perfusão (0 = normal, 4 = ausente) e mobilidade (0 = normal, 4 = acinético), utilizando modelo de 17 segmentos. Para cada paciente foram calculados escores somados de perfusão (ESP) e mobilidade (ESM). A fração de ejeção (FEVE) foi calculada por software comercialmente disponível. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação inicial, 12 dos 15 pacientes apresentaram alterações da contratilidade e da perfusão miocárdica. O ESP foi de 12,5 ± 7,3, o ESM de 17,0 ± 12, 8 e a FEVE de 44,6 ± 16,0 por cento. Houve correlação positiva entre o ESP e o ESM (r = 0,68; p = 0,005) e negativa entre o ESP e a FEVE (r = -0,75; p = 0,0021). Os estudos de seguimento mostraram recuperação da contratilidade global (FEVE de 68,9 ± 9,5, p = 0,0002), segmentar (ESM 2,6 ± 3,1, p = 0,0009) e da perfusão (ESP 3,7 ± 3,3, p = 0,0003). A melhora da FEVE correlacionou-se positivamente com a melhora do ESP (r = 0,72; p = 0,0035). CONCLUSÕES: Alterações perfusionais miocárdicas são comuns no envenenamento escorpiônico e correlacionam-se topograficamente com a disfunção contrátil. A recuperação da contratilidade correlaciona-se com a reversibilidade dos defeitos perfusionais. Estes achados sugerem a participação de alterações perfusionais miocárdicas na fisiopatologia desta forma de insuficiência ventricular aguda. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2010;94(4): 444-451)

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock and acute pulmonary edema are the major causes of death of patients with scorpion envenomation, whose pathophysiological mechanism remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between myocardial perfusion abnormalities and left ventricular contractile function in victims of scorpion envenomation. METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent ECG-gated myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (gated SPECT) within 72 hours of, and 15 days after scorpion envenomation. Images were analyzed by means of a semi-quantitative visual perfusion score (0 = normal, 4 = absent) and motion score (0 = normal, 4 = akinesia), using the 17-segment model. Summed perfusion (SPS) and summed motion (SMS) scores were calculated for each patient. Ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated by a commercially available software. RESULTS: At baseline, 12 out of the 15 patients presented abnormal myocardial perfusion and contractility. Mean values of SPS, SMS and LVEF were 12.5 ± 7.3, 17.0 ± 12.8, and 44.6 ± 16.0 percent, respectively. A positive correlation between SPS and SMS (r = 0.68; p = 0.005) and negative correlation between SPS and LVEF (r = -0.75; p = 0.0021) were found. The follow-up studies showed recovery of global contractility (LVEF of 68.9 ± 9.5, p = 0.0002), segmental contractility (SMS of 2.6 ± 3.1, p = 0.0009) and perfusion (SPS of 3.7 ± 3.3, p = 0.0003). Improvement of LVEF correlated positively with improvement of SPS (r = 0.72; p = 0.0035). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial perfusion abnormalities are common in scorpion envenomation and correlate topographically with the contractile dysfunction. Recovery of contractility correlates with reversibility of perfusion defects. These findings suggest the participation of myocardial perfusion abnormalities in the pathophysiology of this form of acute ventricular failure. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2010;94(4): 418-425)

Loxoscelismo cutáneo y cutáneo-visceral: Revisión sistemática / Cutaneous and visceral loxoscelism: A systematic review

Introduction: Loxoscelism represents a major public health problem for which there are no standard thera-peutic interventions. Objective: To review available scientific evidence on management of Loxoscelism Method: Systematic review of clinical studies. The search included múltiple databases (Medline, Lilacs, Embase, Web of Sciences, Cinahl, Pre-Cinahl, Paperfirst, Proceedingsfirst, Dissertations and Theses, Toxline, Cochrane Library), handsearch of references, and contact with experts. Results: Three clinical triáis of poor methodological quality were identified from 5,207 references found. One trial (n = 31), concluded that the use of dapsone was associated with fewer local complications than surgical treatment. A second study (n = 46), concluded that the use of dapsone was superior to clorfenamine for skin lesions. A third study (n = 95) concluded that there was no differences be-tween the use of oral dapsone, antivenom against anti-Loxosceles reclusa or a combination of both. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence based on good quality studies to recommend treatment guidelines for individuáis with skin or visceral loxoscelism.

Introducción: El loxoscelismo constituye un importante problema de salud pública, en el que no existen intervenciones terapéuticas estándares. Objetivo: Encontrar y analizar la evidencia científica relacionada al manejo de esta patología. Método: Revisión sistemática de estudios clínicos. La búsqueda incluyó múltiples bases de datos, búsqueda manual de referencias, y contacto con expertos. Resultados: Tres ensayos clínicos de pobre calidad metodológica fueron identificados. Uno de ellos (n = 31), encontró que el uso de dapsona se asoció con menos complicaciones locales, que el tratamiento quirúrgico. Un segundo estudio (n = 46), encontró que el uso de dapsona fue superior a clorfenamina, en mejorar la evolución de las lesiones cutáneas. Un tercer estudio (n = 95), no demostró diferencias entre el uso de dapsona oral, suero anti-Loxosceles recluso o una combinación de ambos. Discusión. No existe suficiente evidencia de buena calidad, que permita orientar la toma de decisiones, en el manejo de sujetos con loxoscelismo cutáneo o cutáneo-visceral.

Escorpionismo por Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones; Buthidae) no Estado de Pernambuco / Scorpionism caused by Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones; Buthidae) in State of Pernambuco

Apresentamos neste trabalho os primeiros relatos de acidente escorpiônico causado pela espécie Tityus pusillus (Buthidae). Os acidentes ocorreram no ambiente doméstico, na área rural situada nas cidades de Paudalho e São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, Brasil. Os dois casos descritos, uma criança e uma mulher grávida, foram classificados como leve e moderado, respectivamente. Os sintomas clínicos apresentados foram distúrbios locais (dor e parestesia) e distúrbios sistêmicos (calafrios, tontura, cefaléia e vômito). Esses registros permitem incluir Tityus pusillus como uma espécie de importância médica no Brasil.

This paper presents the first reports on scorpion accidents caused by Tityus pusillus (Buthidae). The accidents took place within the home environment, in rural areas located in the municipalities of Paudalho and São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, Brazil. The two cases described (a child and a pregnant woman) were classified as mild and moderate, respectively. The clinical symptoms presented were local disorders (pain and paresthesia) and systemic disorders (chills, dizziness, headache and vomiting). These records make it possible to including Tityus pusillus as a species of medical importance in Brazil.