Brown Recluse Spider Bite Resulting in Coombs Negative Hemolytic Anemia in a Young Male Requiring Blood Transfusion

Abstract

Spider bites, including the bites of recluse spiders (Loxosceles, also known as brown spiders), usually lead to local symptoms; however, severe systemic symptoms have also been reported in the literature. Management of spider bites is based on symptoms. In severe cases involving the development of angioedema, hemolytic anemia, skin necrosis with superimposed bacterial infection or disseminated intravascular coagulation, antibiotics, steroids, blood transfusions, and plasma exchange may also play a role. We present a case of a brown recluse spider bite resulting in symptomatic hemolytic anemia and jaundice requiring blood transfusion.

Keywords: bleeding and blood products; brown recluse spider bite; clinical hematology; coomb's negative; delayed hemolytic anemia; hemolytic anemia; internal med; loxosceles bite; spider bite; symptomatic anemia.

Figure 1. Vesicle at the site of brown recluse spider bite (black arrow) surrounded by ecchymosis and erythema.