Title:Evaluation of Allergic Reactions Following Intravenous Infusion of Polyvalent
Antivenom in Snakebite Patients
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): Ghafar-Ali Mahmoudi, Maryam Ahadi, Ali Fouladvand, Bareza Rezaei, Zahra Bodagh and Peyman Astaraki*
Affiliation:
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad,Iran
Keywords:
Snakebites, antivenom, allergic reaction, venomous, mortality, life-threatening.
Abstract: Background: Antivenom is a gold-standard treatment for snakebite envenoming. However,
adverse reactions to snake antivenom are common in many parts.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the allergic reactions following intravenous administration
of antivenom sera.
Methods: This was retrospective study conducted on snakebites patients referred to the Rahimi
Hospital in Khorramabad. The files of these patients were accessed for demographic data,
snakebite-related data, treatment provided, clinical presentation and allergic reaction status as a result
of antivenom treatment.
Results: 141 cases were investigated, including 73.8% male and 26.2% female patients. The mean
age of the patients was 38.1±17.1 years. Age group 30-39 years accounted for the highest number
of snakebite cases (24.1%). A majority of victims (89.4%) were from rural areas. Most of the patients
(51.8%) were bitten in the spring and highest number of snakebite were reported in May
(39.1%). The most common site of snakebite was lower extremities (50.4%) and upper extremities
(44.7%). Among clinical feature of snakebite, pain was the most prevalent in 135 cases (95.7%) followed
by swelling (83.7%). The mean antivenom vials used were 6.5±3.7 vials. Allergic reactions
occurred in 6 patients (4.26%); reactions were mild in 5 patients and severe in 1 patient. The commonest
presentation was maculopapular rash (1.4%) and the least common were headache
(0.71%), nausea (0.71%), fever (0.71) and hypotension (0.71%).
Conclusion: Snakebite is one of the significant life-threatening environmental events. Immediate
antivenom treatment can reduce mortality however, patients should be carefully monitored for adverse
allergic reactions
