The efficacy of low-dose antivenom therapy on morbidity and mortality in snakebite cases

PubMedID: 18410806Similar 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 Çukurova 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. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved