Abstract
Black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) envenomation has been recognized since antiquity. The syndrome, latrodectism, is characterized by painful muscle rigidity and autonomic disturbances such as tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. Symptoms typically last for 1-3 days. Treatment has ranged from local folk remedies to administration of specific antivenom. Opioid analgesics combined with muscle relaxants, such as benzodiazepines, are only effective at symptomatic and temporary control. Antivenom is by far the most efficacious therapy available based on symptom resolution, need for subsequent therapy, and hospital admission rates. Fear of allergic type reactions from antivenom administration has limited its use in the United States. A new purified F(ab)2 fragment Latrodectus mactans antivenom, Analatro®, is currently undergoing clinical trials. The product is expected to have similar efficacy and be associated with fewer adverse reactions when compared to the currently available partially purified whole IgG Merck product. This shift in the risk-benefit analysis may ultimately lead to more antivenom administration in significantly envenomated patients.
Keywords: Analatro, antivenom, black widow spider, Fab2, Latrodectus mactans, latrodectism, spider treatment, syndrome, tachycardia, hypertension, Opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants, symptomatic, clinical trials, Arachnophobia.
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Title:Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans) Antivenom in Clinical Practice
Volume: 13 Issue: 10
Author(s): Andrew A. Monte
Affiliation:
Keywords: Analatro, antivenom, black widow spider, Fab2, Latrodectus mactans, latrodectism, spider treatment, syndrome, tachycardia, hypertension, Opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants, symptomatic, clinical trials, Arachnophobia.
Abstract: Black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) envenomation has been recognized since antiquity. The syndrome, latrodectism, is characterized by painful muscle rigidity and autonomic disturbances such as tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. Symptoms typically last for 1-3 days. Treatment has ranged from local folk remedies to administration of specific antivenom. Opioid analgesics combined with muscle relaxants, such as benzodiazepines, are only effective at symptomatic and temporary control. Antivenom is by far the most efficacious therapy available based on symptom resolution, need for subsequent therapy, and hospital admission rates. Fear of allergic type reactions from antivenom administration has limited its use in the United States. A new purified F(ab)2 fragment Latrodectus mactans antivenom, Analatro®, is currently undergoing clinical trials. The product is expected to have similar efficacy and be associated with fewer adverse reactions when compared to the currently available partially purified whole IgG Merck product. This shift in the risk-benefit analysis may ultimately lead to more antivenom administration in significantly envenomated patients.
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Cite this article as:
A. Monte Andrew, Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans) Antivenom in Clinical Practice, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2012; 13 (10) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920112802273335
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920112802273335 |
Print ISSN 1389-2010 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4316 |
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