Adder bites in children

16 children with adder bites were admitted to hospital in Southampton in the years 1969--77. Two children were severely poisoned; these 2, and a 3rd, fulfilled suggested criteria for antivenom administration but they recovered without it. Three children had no treatment, and 9 children no analgesia. Prolonged morbidity was not seen in these children. Careful observation in hospital was the most important factor in management, with early clinical improvement obviating the need for antivenom.