The red imported fire ant is a species of Hymenoptera native to South America, which has spread throughout much of the United States. Hymenoptera
envenomations can cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis as well as severe
toxin-mediated systemic reactions including rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, liver injury,
and coagulopathy. However, red imported fire ant envenomations have rarely been reported
to cause these systemic toxin-mediated effects. Here we present the first reported
pediatric case of a 2-year-old male infant who presented with both anaphylaxis and
evolving signs of systemic envenomation, including rhabdomyolysis and renal failure,
as a result of multiple fire ant stings. The case illustrates the potential for a
significant hymenoptera toxidrome in the setting of multiple stings and emphasizes
the importance of close follow-up given the potential for slowly evolving findings.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: January 23, 2013
Accepted:
September 18,
2012
Received:
September 13,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
