Severe rapid-onset paralysis in a part-time soldier.
We report a case of severe rapid-onset paralysis in a 28- year-old previously healthy man, necessitating intubation and mechanical ventilation, after a presumed bite or sting. Despite no other systemic manifestations of envenoming, the paralysis rapidly responded to polyvalent snake antivenom. The rapidity and severity of clinical effects make this case most concerning. We outline a differential diagnosis of acute paralysis and comment on issues relating to the management of the envenomed patient.
Maiden
Matthew J
MJ
Mediflight Critical Care Retrieval Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia. mjmaiden@ozemail.com.au
White
Julian
J
D000328:Adult; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000997:Antivenins