Open AccessEfficacy and Safety of Snake Antivenom Therapy: Experience of a Regional Hospital
Author(s) -
Fung HT,
Lam KK,
Kam CW
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490790601300209
Subject(s) - antivenom , medicine , envenomation , surgery , intensive care medicine , venom , biology , ecology
Snakebite is a commonly encountered envenomation emergency in the rural areas of Hong Kong. The majority of cases do not warrant antivenom therapy. We looked into those receiving antivenom to enhance the understanding of the results of antivenom therapy. Methods This was a retrospective review of the snakebite cases treated with antivenom in Tuen Mun Hospital from 1st January 2000 to 31st August 2005, focusing on both the therapeutic and side effects of the antivenom. Results Twelve patients were identified. All had local symptoms of swelling or numbness. Two of them subsequently developed skin necrosis requiring operative treatment. Thrombocytopenia was less amenable to correction than prolonged INR. No early or late allergic reactions were observed. Conclusion Because of the small number of cases, the apparent safety of the antivenoms in the current review warrants larger trials in future.