A large single-center experience with treatment of patients with crotalid envenomations: outcomes with and evolution of antivenin therapy.
BACKGROUND
Antivenin (crotalid) polyvalent (ACP; Antivenin Crotalidae Polyvalent; Wyeth, Melville, NY) is associated with frequent allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are fewer with ovine Fab antivenin (FabAV). This study describes the management of crotalid envenomations in patients treated with FabAV or ACP, and without antivenin.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of crotalid envenomations over 10 years. Demographic data, hematologic profiles, details of antivenin administration, and in-hospital morbidity and mortality were collected.


RESULTS
There were no mortalities and a single amputation. Fewer fasciotomies were performed in the FabAV (9%) group versus the ACP group (24%). Mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. No allergic reactions were associated with FabAV. Fourteen of 211 reactions were associated with ACP (P < .001). Coagulopathy was frequent.


CONCLUSIONS
FabAV represents an improvement in management of crotalid envenomations because of reduced allergic reactions. Serious morbidity and mortality is rare. Coagulopathy is frequent but bleeding is not. Limb salvage is high. Surgical debridement and ACP are contraindicated when FabAV is available.
Corneille
Michael G
MG
Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. Corneille@uthscsa.edu
Larson
Scott
S
Stewart
Ronald M
RM
Dent
Daniel
D
Myers
John G
JG
Lopez
Peter P
PP
McFarland
Marilyn J
MJ
Cohn
Stephen M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017819:Viperidae
D000997:Antivenins