title: [Snake bites].
abstract: Snake bites are a rare occurrence in Belgium. Nevertheless, all doctors should know how to react to this potentially very dangerous emergency. A snakebite does not necessarily result in poisoning: the effects can range from a little local discomfort to a severe systemic reaction with multiple organ failure. Therefore, all snake bites must be treated as serious and should receive adequate treatment. At the same time, hysterical over reaction must be avoided for this risks complications. This article reviews the principal elements of snake bite treatment: from the emergency stage through to stabilization in the hospital. Key points raised are the necessity to immobilize the affected region, to establish adequate perfusion and to anticipate infectious complications. Serum therapy indications are reviewed together with adjuvant interventions such as corticotherapy and heparin therapy.
authors.affiliation: Service des Soins Intensifs, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Créteur
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003422:Critical Care; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D017819:Viperidae
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D006493:Heparin