The efficacy of low-dose antivenom therapy on morbidity and mortality in snakebite cases.
Similar to the cases seen around the world, snakebite causes mortality and morbidity in Turkey. The venom of different types of snake in the region of Cukurova causes serious systemic and local tissue damage.


METHODS
We performed this prospective study on 45 patients who complained of snakebite. We grouped the patients according to their clinical presentations to facilitate treatment and follow-up period procedures.


RESULTS
Whereas the patients with grade 1 envenomation did not receive any antivenom, grades 2 and 3 patients received 2.70 +/- 0.77 and 4.88 +/- 1.65 vials of antivenom, respectively. One of our patients had to undergo finger amputation but there were no deaths. Allergic reactions developed after antivenom therapy in 8 patients (17.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
When we considered the cost and complications of the antivenom treatment, it was seen that low-dose antivenom treatment effectively treated the patients with venomous snakebite injuries in our region.
Açikalin
Ayça
A
Emergency Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. aycaacikalin@yahoo.com
Gökel
Yüksel
Y
Kuvandik
Güven
G
Duru
Mehmet
M
Köseoğlu
Zikret
Z
Satar
Salim
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000997:Antivenins