Envenomation by the horned viper (Vipera ammodytes L.)

Abstract

Snake venom poisoning is a medical emergency that requires urgent therapeutic procedures. The treatment of venomous snakebites is still controversial because of unclear therapeutic modalities. Choice of treatment is dictated in part by regional characteristics with regard to patient population and types of venomous snakes. The purpose of the study presented here was to report regional experience with venomous snakebites and to describe first-aid, pre-hospital, and hospital therapeutic procedures for horned viper bite. During a 16-year period, from 1980 to 1996, at the Clinical Hospital Split (Croatia) we collected data on 389 victims of horned viper bite. Incidence of the local and general complications is presented. We also reviewed therapeutic modalities and outcome with special attention to compartment syndromes and the indications for fasciotomy.