"We are always interested to see papers like this and we take account of their findings," a company spokesperson said. "However," they added, "we cannot make conclusions about what should happen in a clinical setting as a result." "The clinical management of box jellyfish envenomation is highly dependent on the circumstances, for example remoteness of the incident, and is a matter for the treating doctor to decide." The ultimate evidence that box jellyfish antivenom is ineffective in patients would come from a placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial, in which some patients are given antivenom, and some aren't. But, given the deadly nature of box jellyfish venom, Isbister says this would be regarded as unethical. Isbister says he has been criticized by some who believe his negative comments about antivenoms are threatening antivenom research and production. But he emphasizes that some antivenom is really important, such as that which protects against the neurotoxic effects of taipan bite. He would like more realistic tests to be carried out in the research and development of antivenoms. "You can't assume that's something is going to be effective even if it binds the toxins," said Isbister. Box jellyfish kill around one person in Australia every 2 to 3 years, mainly children. For now, prevention is the best cure. "Don't let children swim when there's jellyfish around," Isbister said. Related Links: |
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