[Snake bites and calcium preparations]

Exact statistical data about snake bites are mostly coming from developed countries. In the United States, for example, 10 to 15 persons die because of a snake bites per annum. In the whole world, according to WHO data from 1983, 10,000 individuals die per annum. In Europe, one case of death occurs in 2 to 3 years. Epidemiological studies, carried out in different countries, showed that a half of the victims came in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) with mild signs of poisoning or without any sign at all. In Mostar, 189 patients were admitted for medical treatment in ten years period (1972-1983) and there was no death case. In the period 1998-2000, increased number of cases snake bites was notified. Two cases were with severe clinical signs and we want to present them in our paper.