title: Clinical features and hospital management of bites by the white-lipped green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris).
abstract: The clinical features and hospital management of 31 patients who were bitten by the white-lipped green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) in Hong Kong are reviewed. The cardinal features in these patients were local pain and swelling and mild coagulation abnormalities. Hospital management should include prophylaxis against tetanus, analgesics and measures to reduce local effects such as elevation of the limb. The benefits of the use of prophylactic antibiotics remain to be established. Severe coagulation disturbances were uncommon and responded to fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT.
authors.forename: T Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tomlinson
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Critchley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D017841:Trimeresurus