Rhabdomyolysis in European viper bite

The case of a child who presented with severe rhabdomyolysis associated with renal failure after a viper bite is reported. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious complication resulting from systemic envenomation and is uncommon after viper bites in Europe. It may be due to oedema, myotoxic agents and haemorrhagic factors and may be responsible for two types of potentially fatal complications, i.e. acute renal failure and hyperkalaemia. The present case highlights the need to investigate routinely for rhabdomyolysis after viper bites. Antivenom therapy is recommended as soon as signs of envenomation are present, without waiting for the onset of complications.