[Viper envenomation by Echis coloratus]

Clinical and therapeutic experience with 24 cases of envenomation by Echis coloratus, the Mideast saw-scaled viper, is reported. These cases were seen between 1979-1989 at this hospital (Mt. Scopus). A clinical classification is proposed, based on severity of the bleeding diathesis and platelet count at presentation. It is suggested as a predictor of clinical outcome and as a guide to whether antiserum should be administered.