[Poisoning by viper bites in children]

Our experience with 36 cases of adder bites, collected during 13 years (1976-1989), is presented. The severity of the clinical picture was minimal to moderate in most of the cases, with mainly local symptomatology noted. Only 4 of the cases had symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain. Good results wee obtain in all cases with the prescribed medical treatment, except in one case which had partial necrosis of the skin on one finger on the side of viper bite. Antibiotics were used in all cases except three and anti-tetanus therapy was used in those cases where needed. Corticosteroids and antihistamines were used on selected occasions. We recommend the use of antiofidic serum, although the possibilities of anaphylactic reaction must be noted. We do not recommended local incisions and suction for this type of bites.