In a 6-year prospective, observational study, depending on symptom severity, a polyvalent anti-arachnid antivenom was administered to patients with loxoscelism—a bite from a brown recluse spider. Patients who received the antivenom within 48 hours after the bite were especially less likely to develop a necrotic skin lesion, although the authors pointed out that the antivenom seemed to be effective at preventing cutaneous ulcers even if it was administered in the first 60 hours after the bite. The takeaway message, the authors wrote, was: “The likelihood of developing necrosis appears to be lower when patients with loxoscelism are admitted [to the hospital] earlier and receive antivenom.” These findings were published by Malaque et al in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
April 30, 2023