Comprehensive treatment for patients bitten by venomous snakes / 中华全科医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objectives To summarize experiences and improve efficacy of comprehensive treatment for patients with wound bitten by venomous snakes. Methods Totally, 547 patients with wound bitten by venomous snakes were hospitalized during January 1993 to December 2002, with comprehensive treatment focusing on purified antivenom serum and paying attention to intensive care for the lung, brain, kidney, blood and circulatory function to detect and handle with viscera damage earlier. Large-dose corticosteroid and anisodaminie was used in treatment for snake-bitten patients to improve clinical effects.Results Among 547 patients, 501 were cured (91.6%), 28 (5.1%) improved, and limb dysfunction was left in 8 (1.5%), including two needed skin grafting, fingers or toes amputed in three and one hemiplegia, and ten died with a case-fatality ratio of 1.8%. Conclusions Multiple organ failure caused by venomous snake bite is one of high risk factor leading to death. Comprehensive and symptomatic treatment for snake-bitten wound can reduce its case-fatality.