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Delayed Recognition of Severe Systemic Envenomation after Copperhead Bite: A Case Report
Patrick E Kelly1, Charles J Gerardo1
1Duke University Hospital, Department of Surgery, Durham, North Carolina.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 2022
Summary
Severe copperhead snakebites can cause systemic toxicity and long-term health issues like kidney disease. Prompt treatment with antivenom is crucial for managing copperhead envenomation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Herpetology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) envenomation can lead to severe systemic toxicity.
- Delayed recognition of envenomation syndrome can impact patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe systemic copperhead envenomation.
- To highlight the potential for long-term sequelae from copperhead bites.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 72-year-old male patient presenting after a copperhead snakebite.
- Clinical observation of systemic toxicity preceding local tissue injury.
- Administration of polyvalent immune fab (ovine) antivenom.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced severe systemic toxicity.
- Initial clinical presentation led to a delay in recognizing envenomation.
- Following antivenom administration, the patient improved but developed stage three chronic kidney disease.
Conclusions:
- Copperhead envenomation, though rare, can cause significant systemic toxicity.
- Prompt administration of antivenom is essential for treating copperhead envenomation.
- Long-term sequelae, such as chronic kidney disease, can occur following severe envenomation.
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