Volume 72 Number 2 March 2005	back to contents

From the 1 Department of Emergency School of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey and 2 Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.

Address all correspondence to Salim Satar, M.D., Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Emergency Department, 01330, Balcali/Adana, Turkey; e-mail: ssatar@cu.edu.tr

Accepted for publication July 2004.

ABSTRACT

Snakebite is one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical regions. This paper focuses on the medical treatment of a patient who had been bitten by a snake on the vertex of his head. It was a severe envenomation with ensuing marked edema associated with coagulation abnormalities. Although the antivenin was extensively sought in various medical centers, it was unavailable. We observed and treated the patient, with special regard to his hematological findings and potential complications. Specifically, tetanus prophylaxis and intravenous fluids were administered, and the wound was cleaned and dressed. Fresh frozen plasma was also administered. The patient responded well, and was discharged on the fourth day of his admission, without any sequelae.

KEYWORDS

Antivenom, antivenin, envenomation, snake, snakebite, treatment.

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