Top

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

Published in:

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Case report

Stonefish envenomation of hand with impending compartment syndrome

Authors: Terence Khai Wei Tay, Han Zhe Chan, Tunku Sara Tunku Ahmad, Kok Kheng Teh, Tze Hau Low, Nuraliza Ab Wahab

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

Marine stings and envenomation are fairly common in Malaysia. Possible contact to various marine life occurs during diving, fishing and food handling. Even though majority of fish stings are benign, there are several venomous species such as puffer fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, stingray and stonefish that require urgent medical treatment. Stonefish is one of the most venomous fish in the world with potential fatal local and systemic toxicity effects to human.

Case Presentation

We reported a case of stonefish sting complicated with impending compartment syndrome.

Conclusions

Medical staff should be alert about the possibility of this potential emergency in standard management of stonefish stings.

Smith MM, Heemstra PC. Smith's sea fishes. Berlin–Heidelberg–New York: Springer Verlag; 1986. p. 1047.

Wiener S. Observations on the venom of the stone fish (Synanceja trachynis). Med J Aust. 1959;46(19):620–7.PubMed

Lee JY, Teoh LC, Leo SP. Stonefish envenomations of the hand--a local marine hazard: a series of 8 cases and review of the literature. Ann Acad Medicine Spore. 2004;33(4):515–20.

Khoo HE. Bioactive proteins from stonefish venom. Clin exp pharm & physiol. 2002;29(9):802–6.CrossRef

Poh CH, Yuen R, Chung MC, Khoo HE. Purification and partial characterization of hyaluronidase from stonefish (Synanceja horrida) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol B. 1992;101(1–2):159–63.PubMed

Poh CH, Yuen R, Khoo HE, Chung M, Gwee M, Gopalakrishnakone P. Purification and partial characterization of stonustoxin (lethal factor) from Synanceja horrida venom. Comp Biochem Physiol B. 1991;99(4):793–8.PubMed

Low KS, Gwee MC, Yuen R, Gopalakrishnakone P, Khoo HE. Stonustoxin: effects on neuromuscular function in vitro and in vivo. Toxicon. 1994;32(5):573–81.CrossRefPubMed

Edmonds C, Lowry C, Pennefather J. Diving and subaquatic medicine: Butterworth-Heinemann; 1992

Auerbach PS. Marine envenomations. N Engl J Med. 1991;325(7):486–93.CrossRefPubMed

10.

Halpern P, Sorkine P, Raskin Y. Envenomation by Trachinus draco in the eastern Mediterranean. Eur J Emerg Med. 2002;9(3):274–7.CrossRefPubMed

11.

Isbister GK. Venomous fish stings in tropical northern Australia. Am J Emerg Med. 2001;19(7):561–5.CrossRefPubMed

12.

Tang WM, Fung KK, Cheng VC, Lucke L. Rapidly progressive necrotising fasciitis following a stonefish sting: a report of two cases. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2006;14(1):67–70.

13.

Carrette TJ, Cullen P, Little M, Peiera PL, Seymour JE. Temperature effects on box jellyfish venom: a possible treatment for envenomed patients? Med Aust. 2002;177(11–12):654–5.

14.

Muirhead D. Applying pain theory in fish spine envenomation. Med Soc J. 2002;32:150–3.

15.

Kizer KW, McKinney HE, Auerbach PS. Scorpaenidae envenomation. A five-year poison center experience. JAMA. 1985;253(6):807–10.CrossRefPubMed

16.

Lau FL. Emergency management of poisoning in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Med J. 2000;6(3):288–92.PubMed

17.

Lehmann DF, Hardy JC. Stonefish envenomation. N Engl J Med. 1993;329(7):510–1.CrossRefPubMed

Title: Stonefish envenomation of hand with impending compartment syndrome
Authors: Terence Khai Wei Tay
Han Zhe Chan
Tunku Sara Tunku Ahmad
Kok Kheng Teh
Tze Hau Low
Nuraliza Ab Wahab
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-016-0112-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Stonefish envenomation of hand with impending compartment syndrome

Abstract

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 1/2016

Use of an audience response system to maximise response rates and expedite a modified Delphi process for consensus on occupational health

Consequences of tuberculosis among asylum seekers for health care workers in Germany

An updated re-analysis of the mortality risk from nasopharyngeal cancer in the National Cancer Institute formaldehyde worker cohort study

Textile industry and occupational cancer

Work-related diabetes distress among Finnish workers with type 1 diabetes: a national cross-sectional survey

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers at a hospital in Naples, Italy, a low-incidence country