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Rhabdomyolysis in European viper bite
Author(s) -
Denis D,
Lamireau T,
Llanas B,
Bedry R,
Fayon M
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1998.tb01778.x
Subject(s) - rhabdomyolysis , viper , medicine , envenomation , antivenom , complication , viper venoms , snake bites , viperidae , surgery , poison control , dermatology , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , venom , snake venom , ecology , biology
The case of a child who presented with severe rhabdomyolysis associated with renal failure after a viper bite is reported. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious complication resulting from systemic envenomation and is uncommon after viper bites in Europe. It may be due to oedema, myotoxic agents and haemorrhagic factors and may be responsible for two types of potentially fatal complications, i.e. acute renal failure and hyperkalaemia. The present case highlights the need to investigate routinely for rhabdomyolysis after viper bites. Antivenom therapy is recommended as soon as signs of envenomation are present, without waiting for the onset of complications.