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Author Spotlight: Optimizing Scorpion Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production
Published on: October 6, 2023
[Hospital protocol for snakebite victims management]
Pedro Marques da Costa1, Rodrigo Sousa2, Maria Lobo Antunes2
1Departamento de Pediatria. Hospital de Santa Maria. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte. Lisboa. & Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa. Portugal.
Insights
Venomous snakebites in children are rare but severe in Portugal. This study presents a new clinical management protocol for pediatric adder bites, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Herpetology
Background:
- Venomous snakebites pose a significant health risk, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Portugal experiences rare but severe cases of venomous snakebites.
- Established clinical management protocols are crucial for effective treatment worldwide.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of venomous adder bites in Portugal were reported.
- Pediatric victims exhibit greater severity and risk of fatal complications from snakebites.
Findings:
- A comprehensive literature review on venomous snakebite management was conducted.
- A multidisciplinary and updated treatment protocol for pediatric adder bites was developed.
Implications:
- The proposed protocol aims to standardize and enhance the clinical management of pediatric venomous snakebites.
- Implementing this protocol can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality in children.
- This study contributes to the advancement of emergency medical practices for venomous snakebites in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Venomous snakebites are relatively rare in Portugal. Pediatric victims present with greater severity and are at risk of fatal complications. Clinical management protocols are the gold standard of care worldwide. We report two cases of venomous adder bites in pediatric patients. Based on a literature review we also discuss the clinical management and present a treatment protocol that ensures multidisciplinary and updated practice by medical teams.
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