title: Emergency treatment of adder bites: case reports and literature review.
abstract: Five cases of adder bites are presented. The clinical effects and current recommendations for the treatment of adder bites are described based on a review of previously published literature. All adder bites, or snake bites of unknown species, should be observed for a minimum of 2 h. Those with no local swelling may be allowed home with appropriate antitetanus prophylaxis. Patients with local reaction or signs of systemic envenoming should be admitted for 48 h with ECG monitoring, and antivenom obtained. Indications and precautions for administration of antivenom are reviewed. Early antivenom treatment may reduce mortality and morbidity from adder bites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Accident & Emergency Medicine, Basingstoke District Hospital, Hampshire.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Harborne
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000628:therapy*; D014757:Viper Venoms / Q000506:poisoning*; D017819:Viperidae
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins; D014757:Viper Venoms