A CLINICAL STUDY OF MAMUSHI BITES

Abstract

A study of 18cases of mamushi bites experienced at the hospital from 1989 to 1996 is reported. In terms of the severity of the condition, these cases included three Grade I cases, Three Grade II cases, one Grade III cases, eight Grade IV cases and three Grade V cases. Severe cases (Grade IV and Grade V) represented 66% of all cases. Severe cases occurred from cases in which fingers or foot were bitten, or cases in which the mamushi bites were managed by patients themselves. On their arrivals at the hospital, the bitten sites were incised and vacuumed in all cases. Ten cases had been administered cepharanthin and the remaining eight cases had been administered cepharanthin and antivenin. At the present time when antivenin is the only one established remedy for the mamushi bites, the antivenin should be administered as soon as possible for mild or probable severe cases. In addition the most common fatal cause is acute renal failure, and so the preservation of the renal function starting in an early phase after the mamushi bites is important.