A retrospective study was conducted of possible and definite snake bite admissions to Madang General Hospital, Papua New Guinea, for the years 1977 to 1986 inclusive. There were 175 such admissions and case notes were found for 129. Envenoming was recorded in 64 cases. Tender regional lymphadenopathy and ptosis were the most common signs of envenoming. No case of coagulopathy was recorded. 16 cases had clinical evidence of myotoxicity; in 3 of these a description of the offending snake suggested that it was the small-eyed snake (Micropechis ikaheka). Among 41 patients receiving antivenom, there was only one serious adverse reaction. This is the first study of snake bite in the New Guinea region; it shows similarities with, but also important differences from, snake bite studies in the Papua region of Papua New Guinea.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Positive response to edrophonium in death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) envenomation.

A 20-year-old Papua New Guinean male developed neuromuscular paralysis following a bite by a death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus). Ptosis persisted despite otherwise effective anti-venom therapy. The ptosis clinically resembled myasthenia gravis and improved after intravenous edrophonium. The role of anticholinesterase drugs in snake bite management is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

The small-eyed snake (Micropechis ikaheka): a review of current knowledge.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Barotraumatic facial nerve palsy in a Melanesian diver.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Effect of food and tablet division on the absorption of a sustained-release preparation of theophylline.

Twelve patients with chronic airways obstruction took part in a bioavailability study of a sustained-release preparation of theophylline (Nuelin SR). Each patient took a Nuelin SR (250 mg) tablet after an overnight fast and, next day, after a light breakfast. On the third day, six patients took two halves of a 250 mg Nuelin SR tablet after breakfast; six subjects took one-half of a 500 mg Nuelin SR tablet after an overnight fast. There were marked interindividual variations in the plasma theophylline concentrations on all study days. The effect of food was equally variable, and appeared to delay the peak plasma concentration in four subjects; in another four, the peak plasma theophylline concentration occurred earlier, and no change was observed in the remaining four. Overall, no significant differences either in the amount of theophylline absorbed, or in its bioavailability were observed. We suggest that patients should be instructed to take theophylline at the same time every day in relation to food intake; however, theophylline assay is essential for the appropriate use of the drug.

Adult↗

PubMed1983