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Spider bite (latrodectism) in Mashhad, Iran

Medical Toxicology Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, AfshariR{at}mums.ac.ir

M. Khadem-Rezaiyan

Medical Toxicology Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

M. Balali-Mood

Medical Toxicology Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Background: Spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) bites are relatively common in North East Iran. They induce morbidity and rarely mortality. We aimed to investigate clinical, electrocardiographic and para-clinical changes in patients with this bite. Methods: All consecutive patients admitted with suspected spider bites between September 2005 and September 2006 were studied prospectively. Results: Spider bites accounted for 56 cases (0.5% of all poisoning, 21% of all admitted envenomated). The patients’ mean (SD) age was 32 (16) years. The most common findings were pain (90%) mainly in their back (45%), stomach (35%), lower limbs (33%), upper limbs (19%) and chest (14%). Other clinical findings included were sweating (55%), chills (29%), dyspnea (25%), flushing (14%), spasm (12%), headache (12%), nausea (12%) and vertigo (12%). On electrocardiograph (ECG); ST segments were depressed in 25% of cases in at least two of the pre-cordial leads. Laboratory findings were in normal ranges. All the patients recovered following supportive and symptomatic treatment (no anti-toxin available in Iran), with a mean hospitalization period of 1.9 (1.3) days. Conclusions: Spider (L. Tredecimguttatus) bite is relatively common in Mashhad, which induces latrodectism with relatively different findings and cardiac toxicity. ECG monitoring should be considered, particularly when specific anti-toxin is not available.

Key Words: Latrodectus tredecimguttatus • ECG • neurotoxin • toxicology

This version was published on November 1, 2009

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 28, No. 11, 697-702 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0960327109350668


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