Haemodialysis in Poisoning by Sea-snake Venom

Abstract

Myoglobinuria, renal failure, and muscular weakness or paralysis were noted in two patients following sea-snake bite. A pathological study by biopsy showed renal tubular necrosis and myonecrosis. Both patients were treated by haemodialysis, and there was a remarkable improvement in the muscular symptoms. Recovery was complete in both cases. It is believed that muscular paralysis was the effect of hyperkalaemia and uraemia on the muscles sensitized by the toxic effect of the sea-snake venom. Removal of potassium and uraemic factors by dialysis thus led to the rapid improvement of the muscular activity. Haemodialysis seems to be a useful alternative method to sea-snake antivenom in the treatment of sea-snake bite poisoning. © 1971, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.