Monday June 28, 1999 - Question 3

Which of the following statements regarding the treatment of a Loxosceles species spider envenomation is correct?

A. All patients with a history of a Brown Recluse spider bite should be hospitalized regardless of their initial symptoms.

B. Prophylactic antibiotics have been proven to be beneficial in Brown Recluse spider bites.

C. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte inhibitors, such as dapsone are helpful in patients with rapid onset of systemic effects associated with Brown recluse spider bites.

D. Early surgical excision of the bite site was once recommended, but recent studies have revealed the possibility of increased complications.

E. Loxcsceles species antivenin should be used in only the most severe patients exhibiting both local tissue necrosis and systemic effects.
 

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