Pediatria pre prax 4/2010

Treatment of common viper bite in childhood

The incidence of common viper bites in the Czech Republic is within the range of tens of cases per year, with children being mostly affected. Envenomation occurs in only about half of the cases; it is mostly mild with a local finding and GIT or vegetative symptomatology. In a few cases yearly, however, more severe envenomation occurs with formation of extensive oedema, circulatory complications or compromised renal function, which requires symptomatic treatment and treatment with an antiserum. The paper briefly summarizes the toxinological information, clinical signs and treatment of envenomation by the common viper including the indications for and availability of antisera in the Czech Republic.

Keywords: common viper, snakebite, envenomation, treatment, antiserum.