Citation

Dijkman MA, de Vries I, van Dam M, de Lange DW. Ned. Tijdschr. Geneeskd. 2017; 161: D822.

Vernacular Title

Gebeten door een exotische gifslang.

Affiliation

Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Erven Bohn)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

28421973

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients who have been bitten by an exotic venomous snake are at risk of severe morbidity and a fatal outcome following an incorrect risk-assessment. Treatment with an antivenom can be necessary and can turn out to be lifesaving. In the Netherlands there are only a few cases of bites from exotic venomous snakes each year. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 28-year-old man presented at the emergency department (ED) after having been bitten by a monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia). Here he developed severe neurotoxicity with respiratory insufficiency requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. The patient was successfully treated with an antivenom.

CONCLUSION: An exotic snakebite victim is always a medical emergency. With early presentation at the ED, proper assessment, treatment and the availability of antivenom from the National Serum Depot, this will not necessarily cause insurmountable problems.

Language: nl