[Viper bites--symptoms and therapy]

A report on 2 children aged 9 and 10 who had been bitten by venomous snakes (European vipers). With immobilization of the affected limb, continuous drip infusion, intravenous injection of antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis the course was uncomplicated, though with some severe local symptoms. Snake serum was not used since the possible side effects of the antitoxin, obtained from horses, are considered unjustified by its therapeutic value. The various therapeutic procedures described in the literature are discussed.