Shark bite: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
==Background==
* White shark (''Carcharodon carcharias''), tiger shark (''Galeocerdo curvier'') appear to be disposed to human attacks than other species
*White shark (''Carcharodon carcharias''), tiger shark (''Galeocerdo curvier'') appear to be disposed to human attacks than other species
*Approximately 70-100 shark attacks worldwide per year and 5-15 deaths
*Approximately 70-100 shark attacks worldwide per year and 5-15 deaths


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==Disposition==
==Disposition==


==See also==
==See also==
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==External Links==
==External Links==


==References==
==References==
Tintinalli, J. E., & Stapczynski, J. S. (2011). ''Tintinalli's emergency medicine: A comprehensive study guide.'' New York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 1359.
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[[Category: Environmental]]
[[Category: Environmental]]

Revision as of 21:53, 5 September 2017

Background

  • White shark (Carcharodon carcharias), tiger shark (Galeocerdo curvier) appear to be disposed to human attacks than other species
  • Approximately 70-100 shark attacks worldwide per year and 5-15 deaths

Clinical Features

  • Direct traumatic effects depend on size and species of shark
  • Typically, attack appendages of victims
    • In 70% on surface swimmers, only the lower limb is involved
    • Upper limb may be injured when the victim attempts to fight off the attack
  • Massive tissue injury
    • Substantial tissue loss from stripping mechanism and extremity amputation are common
  • Hemorrhagic shock
  • Extremely high incidence of contamination with atypical microorganisms leading to wound infections
  • Death is usually due to lack of prehospital resuscitation, hemorrhagic shock, or drowning

Differential Diagnosis

Marine toxins, envenomations, and bites

Evaluation

  • Plain radiographs of all injured areas to identify fractures, periosteal stripping, retained foreign bodies (e.g. teeth)
  • Wound cultures

Management

  • Abrasions and small puncture wounds can be treated with thorough irrigation and topical antibiotics
  • Devitalized tissue should undergo debridement and copious irrigation
    • Most injuries require debridement and repair in OR
  • Prophylactic antibiotics
    • Coverage against Vibrio, Staph, Strep species
    • Patients with abdominal injuries should be covered against enteric and anaerobic organisms

Disposition

See also

External Links

References