EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF ADDER BITES - CASE-REPORTS AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

Five cases of adder bites are presented. The clinical effects and curr ent recommendations for the treatment of adder bites are described bas ed on a review of previously published literature. All adder bites, or snake bites of unknown species, should be observed for a minimum of 2 h. Those with no local swelling may be allowed home with appropriate a ntitetanus prophylaxis. Patients with local reaction or signs of syste mic envenoming should be admitted for 48 h with ECG monitoring, and an tivenom obtained. Indications and precautions for administration of an tivenom are reviewed. Early antivenom treatment may reduce mortality a nd morbidity from adder bites.