RED-BACK SPIDER ENVENOMATION IN THE RED CENTER OF AUSTRALIA

Objective: To examine the incidence, symptoms and treatment of red-bac k spider envenomation at a rural hospital. Methods: A retrospective re view of ah patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Alice Sprin gs Hospital with red-back spider envenomation from 1 January 1991 unti l 31 December 1992. Results: Thirty-two patients were identified, of w hom 12 were Australian Aboriginals (35%). Mean time from bite to prese ntation was 21 hours. Twenty-six patients required antivenom. All pati ents responded well to therapy and adverse reactions to the antivenom were observed. Two antivenom recipients had had previous bites requiri ng treatment. Aboriginals received antivenom later than non-Aboriginal s (27.0 h v. 16.5 h) and this delay was associated with more sweating and fever in Aboriginals. Conclusion: Red-back spider envenomation is common in Central Australia. Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals ape equal ly at risk but later presentation is more common in Aboriginals who th ereby suffer greater systemic symptoms. Antivenom use is safe and effe ctive.