title: [An overview on envenomings inflicted by the Common adder (Vipera berus) and their treatment in Hungary. Facts and beliefs -- part I].
abstract: Consequences of bites by the Common adder (Vipera berus) were reviewed in this study. Patients bitten by snakes from different populations may develop variable symptoms due to geographical venom variation. The correct diagnosis of snake bites and the knowledge of the distribution of venomous snake taxa have a crucial impact on snake bite therapy. The characteristic symptoms of patients bitten by V. berus in Hungary are highlighted. The habitat characteristics, seasonal activity and the Hungarian distribution of the adder are described based on literature data, museum specimens and field observations. However, envenomings are uncommon in Hungary, the annual 3 to 4 incidents have to be taken seriously, regardless of the age and actual health condition of the patients. Contrary to beliefs persisting both among laymen and professionals, the venom of V. berus is powerful. Medical observation of the patients is necessary in the first 5 to 6 hours. Any systemic symptom or progression of the edema requires hospital admission.
authors: Debreceni Egyetem Farmakognózia Részleg Debrecen. malinata@lilly.com
authors: Tamás
authors: T
authors: Malina
authors: Gergely
authors: G
authors: Babocsay
authors: László
authors: L
authors: Krecsák
authors: Péter
authors: P
authors: Schuller
authors: Gábor
authors: G
authors: Zacher
authors: Gábor
authors: G
authors: Vasas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced; D003643:Death; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D010243:Paralysis / Q000139:chemically induced; D012621:Seasons; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy*; D014757:Viper Venoms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning / Q000633:toxicity; D017819:Viperidae
chemical_list: D014757:Viper Venoms