Severe Systemic Envenomation Following Vipera berus Bite Managed with ViperaTAb Antivenom

Abstract

Bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) are a rare medical emergency in the UK with 20 to 50% of an estimated 50 to 200 cases per year necessitating treatment with antivenom. We present a case demonstrating both severe systemic and local effects necessitating out of hospital resuscitation, vasopressor support, and prolonged rehabilitation. Hemodynamic stability was restored promptly after administration of ViperaTAb antivenom, the first published case of its use in the UK.

Keywords: European adder; United Kingdom; adder; snakebite.