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A retrospective analysis of 96 "asp" (Megalopyge opercularis) envenomations in Central Texas during 1996.

BACKGROUND: The most frequently reported caterpillar envenomation in Central Texas is by the puss caterpillar or "asp," Megalopyge opercularis. This caterpillar is described by patients and physicians as inflicting intense radiating pain. The intensity of symptoms may be underestimated leading to undertreatment. Adequate treatment protocols have been lacking and those in use are not very successful. We present a retrospective study of patients who were stung and contacted the Central Texas Poison Center. METHODS: All human exposures to asp stings reported to the Central Texas Poison Center during 1996 were included. Inclusion criteria consisted of all cases documented as an asp envenomation by the specialists in poison information. Characterization of symptoms and treatment used were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 96 exposures to asps reported. Ninety-five of the patients experienced local pain with 26 of these reporting intense radiating pain. Forty developed erythema, 27 described edema, and 9 complained of welts/hives. Other symptoms reported included white spots (4), pruritus (3), red streak (2), numbness (2), and individual accounts of chest pain, rash, ecchymosis, tingling, blister, and muscle spasm. There was no treatment modality that promptly relieved pain. DISCUSSION: Although asp envenomations appear to be very common, clinical cases have rarely been documented. This may be due to physicians not recognizing the etiological agent. Pain may be very intense and standard pain management appears to be unsuccessful. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that further examination of treatment modalities may be beneficial in addressing the morbidity of Megalopyge opercularis envenomations.

Animals↗

Severe reversible bone marrow suppression induced by Selaginella doederleinii.

CASE REPORT: We report a 52-year-old female patient with cholangiocarcinoma who developed severe bone marrow suppression after taking Selaginella doederleinii as an alternative anticancer treatment. She developed severe pancytopenia with initial presentations of skin ecchymosis, itching, and gum bleeding 2 weeks after taking Selaginella doederleinii daily. Bone marrow smear and biopsy showed severe hypocellularity with no malignant cell infiltration. Approximately 1 week after stopping Selaginella doederleinii, her hemogram returned to previous levels. Selaginella doederleinii, a popular anticancer herb, may contain an as yet unidentified substance that contributes to reversible bone marrow suppression.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Copperhead envenomations in the Carolinas.

INTRODUCTION: Although the copperhead (Akistrodon contortrix) is responsible for most Crotaline envenomations in the Carolinas, manifestations and treatment are poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the clinical course after copperhead bites. METHOD: Structured review of copperhead exposures reported to a regional poison center from 1997-2000. Hospital records were reviewed when available. Phone followup was attempted. RESULTS: A total of 178 cases were identified. Of these 75% were males. The median age was 31 yr (range 2-93). The bite site included hand (52%), foot (36%), leg (7%), and arm (5%). Classification included dry (7%), mild (48%), moderate (39%), and severe (6%). The most common symptom was pain (93%). Local findings included swelling (94%), fang marks (93%), ecchymosis (53%), erythema (37%), bullae (13%), and tissue necrosis (8%). Eleven of 37 patients developed abnormal PT and/or PTT. Two patients bled. Patients were treated at a healthcare facility in 160 cases, with 79 patients admitted. Opioid analgesics were the most common therapy (81%). Equine-derived antivenin was given in 14 cases (range 2-30 vials). Antivenin reactions developed in three. Two patients received blood products. Surgical treatment included debridement (6), grafting (2), digit amputation (1), digit dermotomy (1), and fasciotomy (1). No patients died. In followup, 18 patients reported limb dysfunction ranging from 5-365 days. CONCLUSION: Copperhead bites typically result in mild to moderate envenomation due to local tissue effects. Significant systemic manifestations are rare. Limb dysfunction can be prolonged.

Adolescent↗

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): initial treatment with plasma exchange plus steroids and immunosuppressive agents for relapsing cases.

BACKGROUND: The thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder with a high mortality rate if untreated or delayed therapy. Whether immediate diagnosis and promptly treated with plasma exchange can change the grave prognosis? METHOD: Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of 13 patients diagnosed and treated during a 6-year period, from August 1994 to August 2000, in a tertiary care university hospital in Taiwan. RESULTS: Among the patients, 8 were males and 5 were females, 10 were idiopathic, 2 were ticlopidine, and 1 was SLE-induced; 12 (92.3%) had neurological abnormalities, 11 (84.6%) had ecchymosis, 8 (61.5%) had fever, and 6 (46.2%) had renal impairment (creatinine > or = 1.5 mg/dL) at initial presentation of the syndrome. Excluding the SLE patient, 6 of 10 (60%) had shown antinuclear antibody (ANA) non-specific positive (titer > or = 1:40). All patients were initially treated with plasma exchange plus steroids. Of these 13 patients, 11 (84.6%) achieved complete remission, one had partial remission, and one, which was ticlopidine-induced, had no response and died of a progressive disease complicated with pneumonia. Within a median follow-up period of 31 months, 4 of 11 patients who achieved complete remission relapsed after one week, two weeks, three weeks, and three months, respectively. In the four relapsing patients, three late relapsing patients received FFP infusion, increased steroid dosages, added cyclophosphamide plus vincristine; and one early relapsing patient, relapsing twice, received an additional two courses of plasma exchange and added cyclophosphamide plus vincristine. All of the four patients achieved complete remission again. The patient who had partial remission relapsed early and responded promptly to another course of plasma exchange plus cyclophosphamide and vincristine and achieved complete remission. CONCLUSION: Based on the results in this study, we conclude that plasma exchange plus steroids can effectively treat TTP. For patients with a refractory or relapsing disease, immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide plus vincristine should be administered as well.

Adolescent↗

Risk factor analysis for breast cellulitis complicating breast conservation therapy.

Women who undergo breast conservation therapy for early-stage breast cancer can develop breast cellulitis, a complication for which risk factors are undefined. A matched case-control investigation was conducted to identify risk factors for the development of breast cellulitis among patients who have undergone breast conservation therapy. Patients comprised 17 patients with cases of breast cellulitis diagnosed after partial mastectomies that had been performed from 1992 through 1997 and 34 control patients who were matched to case-patients by date of breast lumpectomy and by primary surgeon. Statistical analyses indicated the following factors were associated with breast cellulitis: drainage of a hematoma (P=.010); postoperative ecchymosis (P=.021); lymphedema (odds ratio [OR], 10. 154; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.348-208.860); resected breast tissue volume (OR, 1.456; 95% CI, 1.035-2.168); and previous number of breast seroma aspirations (OR, 3.445; 95% CI, 1.036-19.771). This is the first matched case-control study to identify risk factors for the development of breast cellulitis after breast conservation therapy.

Adult↗

Incidence of adverse reactions associated with acupuncture.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the type, severity, and incidence of acupuncture adverse reactions that are observed in standard practice. DESIGN: A survey based on observation and interview by the therapists. SETTING: Tsukuba College of Technology Clinic in Japan. SUBJECTS: All patients who underwent acupuncture treatment during a period of 4 months from April to July 1998. OUTCOME MEASURES: Type, severity, and incidence of acupuncture adverse reactions. RESULTS: A total of 391 patients were treated in 1,441 sessions, involving a total of 30,338 needle insertions. The incidence of recorded systemic reactions in individual patients was: tiredness (8.2%); drowsiness (2.8%); aggravation of preexisting symptoms (2.8%); itching in the punctured regions (1.0%); dizziness or vertigo (0.8%); feeling of faintness or nausea during treatment (0.8%); headache (0.5%); and chest pain (0.3%). The incidence of recorded local reactions, expressed as a percentage of needle insertions, was: minor bleeding on withdrawal of the needle (2.6%); pain on insertion of the needle (0.7%); petechia or ecchymosis (0.3%); pain or ache in the punctured region after the treatment (0.1%); subcutaneous haematoma (0.1%); and pain or discomfort in the punctured region during the needle retention (0.03%). CONCLUSION: Although some adverse reactions associated with acupuncture were common even in standard practice, they were transient and mild compared to cases such as pneumothorax, cardiac injury, infection, or spinal lesions reported in other studies.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Laparoscopy for triage of penetrating trauma: the decision to explore.

The role of diagnostic laparoscopy in penetrating trauma continues to evolve. We reviewed our experience to determine the effect of laparoscopy on therapeutic laparotomy rates, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges. Laparoscopy was performed on 106 hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominal injuries (66 had gunshot wounds, 40 had stab wounds). All patients with laparoscopically identified peritoneal penetration underwent open laparotomy. At laparoscopy, 41 (39%) had positive findings, whereas 65 (61%) had none. Two patients with retroperitoneal hematomas and one with ecchymosis of the peritoneum were not explored. Thus 68 (64%) did not require laparotomy. Among the 38 who underwent laparotomy, 29 (76%) had positive findings and 9 (24%) had a negative laparotomy. Nineteen patients (50%) had a therapeutic laparotomy. This compares with a therapeutic laparotomy rate of 18% had all 106 patients undergone mandatory laparotomy. Data for length of stay and hospital charges were analyzed. Due to the extended stay associated with tube thoracostomy (n = 21), a subgroup excluding patients with chest tubes was also analyzed. In this subgroup, there was a significant difference in hospital stay between those who had only a laparoscopy and those who underwent a negative laparotomy (2.6 +/- 1.7 vs. 4.7 +/- 1.6, p < 0.01). The average nonsurgical charge for patients who had a negative laparotomy was more than double that for those who had laparoscopy only ($8275 +/- 4692 vs. $3762 +/- 3786, p < 0.01). We conclude that the use of diagnostic laparoscopy to identify peritoneal penetration resulted in an improved therapeutic laparotomy rate as well as significant reduction in hospital stay and hospital charges.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Combining the CO2 laser and the endoscope to remove soft tissue masses from the forehead area.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide a retrospective analysis of treatment that combines the laser and the endoscope. BACKGROUND DATA: Previously, surgeons faced many complications arising from endoscope-assisted surgery in the region of the forehead. In order to reduce the incidence of complications, such as swelling and hematoma, the CO2 laser is added to endoscope-assisted surgery. METHODS: Between January 1996 and January 2003, 42 patients were treated for the removal of a benign tumor. The group was comprised of 18 males and 24 females, and their ages ranged from 5 to 64 years. The SurgiLase 150XJ CO2 laser system, used in conjunction with the flexible FIBERLASE (Sharplan, NJ), was used in all cases. The endoscope was 4 mm in diameter, with an angle of 30 degrees (Snoden Pancer, USA). The dissection was performed by relaying images from the endoscope to a monitor. The basic instrumentation consists of elevators, a nerve hook, retractors, and endoscopic scissors. Suction of the smoke generated by laser evaporization was also necessary. RESULTS: Of the 42 cases treated, 30 patients displayed lipomas, 10 patients displayed inclusion cysts, and two patients displayed dermoid cysts. After surgery, the follow-up period ranged from 6 months, to 2 years and 6 months, with an average of 1 year and 7 months. In this retrospective review, the incidences of early complications of these 42 patients included one case of scalp alopecia, three of scar alopecia, one of numbness, and three of ecchymosis. No hematoma cases were recorded. Evaluation after 6 months revealed the later complication of one scar alopecia. CONCLUSIONS: SurgiLase CO2 laser, used in conjunction with endoscopic surgery, enables plastic surgeons to work at a distance through small incisions without causing bleeding. Visible scars are reduced and recovery time is diminished.

Adolescent↗

Acquired haemophilia due to factor VIII inhibitors in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: case report.

A 31-year-old nulligravida woman developed an acquired factor VIII inhibitor associated with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). She developed haematouria, ecchymosis, and intramuscular bleeding following the severe OHSS. Laboratory examinations showed a markedly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and a low level of factor VIII activity. Treatment with prothrombin complex concentrate and factor VIII inhibitor bypassing agent was successful in reducing the inhibitor so that she delivered a healthy baby via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Acquired haemophilia is a life-threatening disorder. This is the first case report of acquired haemophilia in OHSS.

Adult↗

Ultrasound guided puncture of the brachial artery for haemodialysis fistula angiography.

BACKGROUND: Arterio-venous (a-v) fistulae of haemodialysis patients frequently require function assessment by angiography. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided transbrachial catheterization when a-v fistulae were evaluated. METHODS: Between July 1996 and December 1997, 208 dialysis patients, whose a-v fistulae (arterial inflow < 50 ml/min or venous pressure > 150 mm Hg in three consecutive HD sessions) were at the wrist or elbow, underwent transbrachial angiography using an ultrasound-guided 20-gauge IA needle to evaluate fistula function. Procedure-related symptoms or complications were noted in 28 patients and these were analysed. RESULTS: No apparent cases of vessel spasm or thrombosis were noted. Reported symptoms in 28 patients (13.5%) included local arm pain (3.3%), transient paresthesia (0.9%), mild ecchymosis (10.6%) and haematoma (0.9%). All complications were minor and none required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided puncture of the brachial artery is a safe, reliable and effective procedure in skilled hands and should be the preferred means of catheterization whenever haemodialysis angiography is performed.

Adolescent↗

Long-lasting remission and successful treatment of acquired factor VIII inhibitors using cyclophosphamide in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Acquired deficiency of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) is a rare bleeding diathesis seldom encountered in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Reduction of FVIII activity by autoantibodies can cause potentially life-threatening situations. Herein, an SLE patient with a positive lupus anticoagulant (LAC) test who abruptly developed metrorrhagia 4 yr after diagnosis is reported. Coagulation tests revealed FVIII activity reduced to 3% and a prolonged aPTT. FVIII inhibitor(s) were found to be as high as 3.0 Bethesda Units. Plasmapheresis, immunoglobulins, prednisolone and FVIII plasma concentrates induced the cessation of metrorrhagia, but the clotting tests were barely improved. One month later, extensive ecchymosis appeared and worsened, despite re-administration of the previous therapy. Pulse cyclophosphamide followed by oral administration was then started with normalization of coagulation parameters and long-lasting disease remission.

Administration, Oral↗

Spontaneous hematoma of a parathyroid adenoma.

A patient with long-standing, asymptomatic, primary hyperparathyroidism developed pain in the anterior neck area, with cough, dysphagia and increasing shortness of breath. This led to respiratory insufficiency, which required endotracheal intubation and respirator assistance. During the ensuing hours the patient developed an area of ecchymosis on the anterior chest. Chest x-ray showed widening of the superior mediastinum, and CT scan showed a large mass with a fluid level. Surgery revealed a large hematoma originating from a mediastinal parathyroid adenoma with a hemorrhagic infarct. Serum calcium, previously elevated, decreased to normal with the onset of neck pain, and the patient remains normocalcemic. Previous reported cases of this rare complication of parathyroid adenomas are reviewed. Hemorrhagic infarct of a parathyroid adenoma may present with a rapidly enlarging mediastinal mass, and/or hypercalcemic crisis. Surgical removal of the infarcted adenoma can return the serum calcium to normal.

Adenoma↗

Massive subfascial hematoma after alteplase therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

The authors report a case of a patient who received alteplase for acute myocardial infarction and developed spontaneous subfascial hematoma without any evidence of direct trauma. Subfascial hematoma remains a rare and self-limited complication of thrombolytic therapy. The development of cutaneous ecchymosis associated with a sudden fall in hemoglobin after the administration of alteplase should strongly suggest the possibility of diffuse subfascial hematoma. Physicians should be aware of the possible association between the use of alteplase and the development of subfascial hemorrhage.

Aged↗

Carbon dioxide laser blepharoplasty--advantages and disadvantages.

Ten patients underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty using the carbon dioxide laser on one eyelid and a conventional technique on the other. Administrative factors, safety considerations, ease of procedure, and short- and long-term results were evaluated. The carbon dioxide laser added considerable administrative, equipment, personnel, and organizational requirements to the procedure. The possibility of adverse safety factors or accidents was increased with the laser. Immediate and late postoperative results of pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and scarring were not significantly different on the two sides. No clear benefit other than a positive marketing factor could be demonstrated with use of the carbon dioxide laser for blepharoplasty.

Adult↗

Local injection into mimetic muscles of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of facial lines.

The purpose of this clinical investigation is to confirm the efficacy of eliminating facial wrinkles by injecting botulinum toxin A into mimetic muscles. Fifty-four patients were injected with BOTOX A-14 in the corrugator superciliaris, 19 in the frontalis muscles, and 13 in the orbicularis oculis. Dilution was obtained by adding 4 ml preservative-free saline to 100 IU of BOTOX A. The dose used varied according to the patient. The severity of wrinkles and the intensity of muscle contraction (facial expression) were taken into account. The paralysis obtained in the mimetic muscles was effective for 6 months in 39 patients, 8 months in 10 patients, and 9 months in 1 patient. The results were documented by photographs, videotape, and electromyographies pre- and postinjection. To preserve the results, 21 patients (39%) demanded a second infiltration to achieve satisfactory results. Neither local nor general adverse effects were noted, except transitory eyebrow palsy in 2 patients, and edema and ecchymosis in 4 patients. The improvement obtained in facial mimetic wrinkles was satisfactory to the patient and to us.

Adult↗

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of Turkish children with thrombosis for homozygous factor V G1691A mutation.

Factor V (FV) G1691A mutation, in a heterozygous state, is one of the most common inherited risk factors for development of thrombosis. However, the clinical manifestations of homozygosity for the FV G1691A mutation in children is largely unknown because of the limited number of studies reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of children with thrombosis who were homozygous for this mutation. Ten patients (four male/six female; mean age, 4.5 years; age range, 1-13 years) who were found to be homozygous for the FV G1691A mutation among 360 consecutive children with thrombosis (2.8%) were the subjects of this study. Six of the 10 patients had venous thrombosis, two had purpura fulminans, one had diffuse skin ecchymosis and one had arterial thrombosis. No history of thrombosis was present in their family members. Seven of the 10 children were under the age of 5 years. One or more additional risk factors (infection, protein S and protein C deficiencies, elevated factor VIII, etc.) were also present in nine of these patients. None of these patients had prothrombin G20210A mutation but one patient had risk-associated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene 4G/4G genotype. These findings suggest that, in the presence of other underlying risk factors, homozygosity for FV G1691A mutation may lead to development of thrombosis at a very young age.

Adolescent↗

New role for an old friend: prednisone is a disease-modifying agent in early rheumatoid arthritis.

There has been a renewed interest in the use of low doses of prednisone in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. This is because it has been conclusively shown that low doses of prednisone retard bone damage, and physicians use prednisone because it helps control tender and swollen joints. Two studies appeared in 2002, one by van Everdingen et al. and one by Landewe et al. demonstrating the reduction of bone damage in early RA with the use of prednisone. Van Everdingen used 10 mg/day of prednisone and Landewe used an initial high dose of 60 mg/day of prednisone for a week, tapering off by 6 months. The bone sparing effect was still evident at 5 years. Low doses of prednisone are well tolerated, with documented side effects including weight gain, ecchymosis, and osteopenia.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Sotradecol (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) injection of orbital lymphangioma.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of intralesional injection of the sclerosing agent sodium tetradecyl sulfate in patients with lymphangioma. METHODS: Three patients (one child and two adults) were treated. RESULTS: Two patients had improvement in the size of the lymphangioma, although the result was short-lived in one instance. Minimal change was noted in the third patient. Two patients had transient edema and ecchymosis, and one patient had a mild allergic reaction to the injected solution. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate may be a useful therapeutic option for some patients with eyelid or orbital lymphangioma, particularly if a previous operation has not been performed.

Adult↗