Citation

Tibballs J, Henning RD, Sutherland SK, Kerr AR. Med. J. Aust. 1991; 154(4): 275-276.

Affiliation

Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic.

Comment In:

Med J Aust 1991;155(4):280.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1953836

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This case report illustrates the threat to life posed by tiger snake venom-induced coagulopathy, the importance of first-aid, precautions with antivenom administration, the dose of antivenom and the necessity to monitor the coagulation status. CASE SUMMARY: An 11-year-old child was envenomated several times by a tiger snake (Notechis scutatus). Despite administration of three ampoules (9000 units) of tiger snake antivenom, fatal cerebral haemorrhage occurred. Inadequate first-aid had been applied. The bite site was covered with a loose bandage instead of a pressure-immobilisation bandage. In hospital, facilities to monitor coagulation status were unavailable.

CONCLUSIONS: More public education is required in first-aid management of snake envenomation. Frequent monitoring of coagulation status is necessary to optimise antivenom and coagulation factor therapy.

Language: en