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Biomedical subjects

S K Sutherland

Publications and source records attributed to S K Sutherland.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1977

Three instructive cases of tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) envenomation--and how a radioimmunoassay proved the diagnosis.

Three unusual cases are described, in which, in separate incidents, young snake bite victims were found comatose. Tiger snake vemon was detected by radioimmunoassay in the urine and serum, and in one case on the clothing of these children. Gross myoglobinuria was present in all cases. The three cases demonstrate clearly the myolytic potential of tiger snake venom if specific treatment (administration of antivenom) is delayed. Extreme elevation of serum enzyme levels was found in the two victims who survived. Evidence was obtained that the major neurotoxin of tiger snake venom is absorbed at least partly via the lymphatics and that some is excreted in the urine.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1977

Serum reactions. An analysis of commercial antivenoms and the possible role of anticomplementary activity in de-novo reactions to antivenoms and antitoxins.

Infusion of concentrated heterologous serum proteins may precipitate severe reactions in humans. Some of these reactions are not due to a preexisting hypersensitivity to the foreign protein, but rather to the strongly anticomplementary activity (ACA) of the infused protein. The latter mechanism could account for the occasional anaphylactoid reaction seen in a patient who has had no known previous exposure to the foreign protein. Similarly, it could account for the patient who fails to react to a preliminary subcutaneous trial dose, but then collapses when he is infused later with the same preparation. Nine commercial antivenoms from nine countries were examined and most were found to have high levels of anticomplementary activity. Considerable variation was found in both the immunochemical properties and the anticomplementary activity of these antivenoms. Antitoxins of equine origin to the toxins of diphtheria, tetanus and gas gangrene were also found to have high anticomplementary activity. Because of this activity these preparations should always be diluted and infused slowly. Lack of reaction to a test dose will never guarantee an uneventful infusion, and thus all infusions of heterologous immunoglobulin should be undertaken with the greatest caution and vigilance.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Treatment of arachnid poisoning in Australia.

Most Australian spiders are capable of causing a bite which produces some degree of local reaction and occasionally systemic effects. However, only the Sydney funnel-web spider which is limited to a 160 kilometre radius from the centre of Sydney and the red-back spider which is found in all States are capable of inflicting a potentially lethal bite.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Human snake bite victims: the successful detection of circulating snake venom by radiommunoassay,.

A new solid-phase radioimmunoassay has been developed which allows positive identification of the type of snake venom in human tissue and fluids and its accurate quantitation. Tiger snake venom at a level of 210 ng/ml was detected post mortem in the serum of a child, and brown snake venom was detected in two adults bitten by unidentified snakes. Apart from forensic applications, the assay will be useful in studying clinical aspects of envenomation and the use of antivenenes.

Adult↗