Black widow spider (Latrodectus renivulatus) envenomation in children in Saudi Arabia: a case series

Abstract

AbstractBlack widow spider (Latrodectus renivulatus) envenomation is a toxicological emergency affecting Middle Eastern countries. Young children may experience greater morbidity due to their small size relative to the amount of venom delivered. We describe four pediatric cases of severe black widow spider envenomation in Saudi Arabia. The neurological effects predominated, and all patients needed morphine for pain relief. All patients required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The durations of PICU stay and total hospital stay were 1–3 days and 2–5 days, respectively. Although Latrodectus antivenom is safe and effective, Latrodectus antivenom was unavailable, and no patients received antivenom. We believe that Latrodectus antivenom would rapidly relieve symptoms and shorten hospital stays.

Keywords

• black widow spider
• Latrodectus renivulatus
• Saudi Arabia
• pediatric envenomation
• case series