Snake venom poisoning in the United States: a review of therapeutic practice

Abstract

Snake venom poisoning constitutes a medical emergency. It is a complex type of poisoning that not only affects the local bite site but may involve multiple organ systems as well. In the United States, poisonous snakes account for approximately 8,000 bites annually, resulting in about 9 to 15 fatalities. The majority of deaths occur in children, the elderly, and untreated or mistreated individuals. Pit vipers account for almost all bites. Diagnosis and treatment are based on clinical signs and symptoms of envenomation along with identification of the snake. First aid treatment should focus on transporting the victim to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible. Previously advocated first aid measures such as tourniquet, incision and suction, cryotherapy, and electric shock should be avoided. The mainstay of treatment for envenomation is the prompt administration of sufficient quantities of the appropriate antivenin.