Irukandji Syndrome: definition, physiological progression and optimal treatment (C6.2)

Task leader: Dr Jamie Seymour, James Cook University.

Task associate: NA.

Irukandji Syndrome is a clinical problem produced after an envenoming of humans by marine jellyfish. The imperative for ongoing research is because of the syndrome's potential to cause significant pain, morbidity and mortality with all of the associated social and financial implications. Clinical research must remain a key component of evolving understanding of this human problem.

Irukandji Syndrome occurs most frequently in the Cairns area, being named after a local Aboriginal tribe. The research team has more clinical experience in the syndrome than any other health agency in the world. Current understanding of the range of features comprising the syndrome, the nature of physiologic derangements and optimal treatment modalities is primitive. Further definition of each of these aspects of the clinical problem of Irukandji Syndrome is not only vital for the clinical outcomes it will deliver but also central to any reasoned application of other forms of scientific research of the topic.

 Objectives

• Determine a clinical description of Irukandji Syndrome
• Determine which cubozoans cause Irukandji Syndrome
• Determine if severeity of the syndrome varies between cubozoan species
• Determine if pain can be used to predict magniture of observed dysautonomia and ultimate "severity" of cardiac dysfunction
• Determine if serum markers of cardiac injury predict cardiac dysfunction
• Determine if magnesium sufate affects the severity and treatment of Irukandji Syndrome patients