The Efficacy of Antivenin Latrodectus (Black Widow) Equine Immune F(ab') Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Latrodectism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial.

Study Objective: The antivenom currently available for treatment of systemic black widow envenomation (latrodectism) is composed of equine whole immunoglobin. Although considered effective, it has been associated with anaphylaxis and 2 reported fatalities. We test the efficacy and safety of new equine antivenom composed of purified F(ab') antibody fragments.

Epidemiology of the reported severity of cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) snakebite.

Objective: The goal of this study was to analyze trends in the annual rates of reported medical outcomes of cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) snakebites in the United States, published in the annual reports of the American Association of Poison Control Centers in the course of 29 years.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of medical outcomes for cottonmouth snakebite victims who developed fatal, major, moderate, minor, or no effects. The annual rates for these medical outcomes were calculated by dividing the annual number of patients in each outcome category by the total annual number of people reported as being bitten by cottonmouths.

Epidemiology of the reported severity of copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) snakebite.

Objective: The goal of this study was to analyze trends in the annual rates of reported medical outcomes of US copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) snakebites published in the annual reports of the American Association of Poison Control Centers in the course of 26 years.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of medical outcomes for copperhead snakebite victims who developed fatal, major, moderate, minor, or no effects. The annual rates for these medical outcomes were calculated by dividing the annual number of patients in each outcome category by the total annual number of people reported as being bitten by copperheads.

Temporal analyses of coral snakebite severity published in the American Association of Poison Control Centers' Annual Reports from 1983 through 2007.

Introduction: The only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved coral snake antivenom was officially discontinued in 2007, causing ever-diminishing supplies.

Epidemiology of severe and fatal rattlesnake bites published in the American Association of Poison Control Centers' Annual Reports.

Introduction: No study has focused on the nationwide epidemiology of severe and fatal rattlesnake bites during the last 25 years. We examined rates and temporal trends of severe and fatal rattlesnake bites across the United States. Our hypothesis was that nationwide annual rates of both severe and fatal outcomes from rattlesnake bites have remained unchanged over time.

Serum levels and urine detection of Centruroides sculpturatus venom in significantly envenomated patients.

Introduction: Envenomation by Centruroides sculpturatus can cause systemic signs and symptoms requiring treatment. The toxicokinetics of C. sculpturatus venom has not been described.

Toxicologic information resources for reptile envenomations.

The United States is the largest importer of reptiles in the world, with an estimated 1.5 to 2.0 million households keeping one or more reptiles.

Resistance of antivenom proteins to foaming-induced denaturation.

Reconstitution of lyophilized antivenom is usually accomplished by gentle swirling for sometimes as much as 45min. Gentle resuspension is employed in order to avoid foaming the antivenom, which could have a variety of consequences including unfolding and denaturation of the protein, thus rendering it inactive. However, foaming of antivenom might cause only a small portion of the total protein to unfold or the protein may refold as foaming subsides.

Combined evidence-based literature analysis and consensus guidelines for stocking of emergency antidotes in the United States.

Study Objective: To develop guidelines for the stocking of antidotes at hospitals that accept emergency admissions using combined evidence-based and consensus methods.

Methods: Study participants were 12 medical care providers from disciplines that are affected by insufficient stocking of emergency antidotes (clinical pharmacology, critical care, clinical pharmacy, emergency medicine, hospital pharmacy, internal medicine, managed care pharmacy, clinical toxicology, pediatrics, poison control centers, pulmonary medicine, regulatory medicine). Selection of individuals for the study panel was based on evidence of previous antidote research or perspective regarding the purchase and use of antidotes.