[Acute renal failure caused by viper: report of 48 cases]

Viper is common in China and its secretion is a mixture consisting of both hemo-toxin and neuro-toxin that cause acute renal failure and respiratory paralysis. In 4860 cases of snake-bites treated from 1984 to 1991, 48 (0.99%) resulted in acute renal failure. After treatment, 43 cases were completely recovered and 5 (10.4%) died of serious failure. Because the toxicity of viper directly attacks both kidneys and toxaemia may cause massive hemolysis to rapidly develop acute renal failure. Instant etiological treatment, alkalization urine, peritoneal dialysis are necessary to sustain the function of heart, liver and lung.