section name header

General Reference

Ann IM 1994;120:665; Nejm 1992;326:486

Pathophys and Cause

Cause:Man-of-war, jellyfish, anemones, and corals (all coelenterates); stingray; stone, lion, and scorpion fish

Pathophys:Nematocysts inject polypeptide toxin-coated threads

Signs and Symptoms

Sx + Si:Local inflammation, vesicles

Complications

Anaphylaxis, acute renal and/or hepatic failure, persistent reactions, mononeuritis multiplex

Treatment

Rx:Warm water (T° lteq.gif113°F) irrigation × 30-90 min, or topical meat tenderizer, to denature the venom