RHABDOMYOLYSIS IN EUROPEAN VIPER BITE

The case of a child who presented with severe rhabdomyolysis associate d with renal failure after a viper bite is reported. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious complication resulting from systemic envenomation and is un common after viper bites in Europe. It may be due to oedema, myotoxic agents and haemorrhagic factors and may be responsible for two types o f potentially fatal complications, i.e, acute renal failure and hyperk alaemia. The present case highlights the need to investigate routinely for rhabdomyolysis after viper bites. Antivenom therapy is recommende d as soon as signs of envenomation are present, without waiting for th e onset of complications.