EXPERIENCE WITH VIPERINE ENVENOMATION

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty one cases of viperine envenomation, who presented to hospital without specific treatment, seen over an twenty five years period, have been presented. Mild, moderate and severe envenomation was encountered in 33 per cent, 47 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Bites on feet and ankles were seen in 85.5 per cent of cases. The average time interval between bite and hospitalisation was 4.8 hours, range being 15 minutes to 7 days. Local swelling was observed in 97.7 per cent, hematuria in 62 per cent, mucosal haemorrhages in 24.8 per cent and haematemesis in 19 per cent of patients. Average Antisnake Venom (ASV) required in mild, moderate and severe envenomation was 50 ml, 147.5 ml and 324 ml respectively. Major complications observed were renal failure in 10, intracompartmental syndrome in 3, intracerebral bleed and septicaemia in 2 each. One patient each developed finger gangrene, osteomyelitis, perirenal haematoma, sinus bradycardia and uncontrolled bleeding. Blood transfusion was required in 32 patients. Reactions to ASV were seen in 12 patients and overall there were 5 deaths.

Keywords: Antisnake venom; Viperine envenomation.