title: [The viper--Finland's only poisonous snake].
abstract: The viper (Vipera berus) is the most common poisonous snake in Europe, and the only one in Finland. In viper bites, highly varying amounts of venom end up into the victim, whereby prediction of the progression of symptoms of poisoning is very difficult. A severe clinical picture must always be anticipated. The size of the victim has also an effect on the outcome. Adequate monitoring and when necessary, massive fluid therapy are essential in the treatment. Due to possible kidney damage, anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended. Severe or rapidly progressing symptoms require the use of an antidote.
authors.affiliation: Turun yliopistollinen keskussairaala, PL 52, 20521 Turku.
authors.forename: Arno
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vuori
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D005387:Finland; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000628:therapy*; D014757:Viper Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D017819:Viperidae
chemical_list: D000931:Antidotes; D014757:Viper Venoms