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[Adder bites in Norway--occurrence and treatment]
Rune Aakvik1, Sverre Refstad, Lise G Ringstad
1Akuttmedisinsk avdeling, Medisinsk divisjon, Ullevål universitetssykehus, 0407 Oslo. rune.aakvik@ulleval.no
Summary
Adder bites are typically mild, but severe cases benefit from sheep-derived antivenom therapy. This study reviewed 245 adder bite inquiries, highlighting antivenom
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Adder bites infrequently result in severe reactions.
- Specific antivenoms, derived from sheep (Fab fragments), are available with minimal side effects.
- Supportive therapy is standard for adder bite management.
Observation:
- The Norwegian National Poisons Information Centre received 245 calls regarding adder bites between 1998 and 2002.
- Three patients with adder bites treated with antivenom are presented.
- In 12% of cases, the risk of intoxication was deemed non-existent.
Findings:
- 67% of cases involved mild to moderate reactions.
- 13% of cases were considered at risk of severe reactions.
- Antivenom therapy demonstrates a documented effect in severe adder bites.
Implications:
- This data supports the judicious use of antivenom in severe adder envenomation.
- Understanding reaction severity aids in appropriate treatment allocation.
- Continued monitoring of adder bite cases is essential for public health.