Vipera berus adder bite in the water, complicated by rapid shock. A case history.
A case of a child who presented with severe and rapid shock after receiving a common adder (vipera berus berus) bite in sea water is presented. Although most poisonous snakebites in Europe tend to be relatively minor and uncomplicated, the present case highlights the need to regard all viper bites as life-threatening accidents, before proved otherwise by a medical professional.
Märtson
M
M
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Turku University Central Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland. matis@europe.com
Taittonen
M
M
Alanen
M
M
Reunanen
M
M
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012623:Seawater; D012769:Shock / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D014757:Viper Venoms / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017819:Viperidae
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; C028570:Ringer's acetate; D014757:Viper Venoms; D004837:Epinephrine