Venomous Bites and Stings

Abstract

Approximately 8000 persons are bitten by venomous snakes in the US each year. Mortality is low (4 to 6/yr), but morbidity can be significant, treatment costly. Overuse of surgery and antivenom is common. Simply cutting the wound with attempted aspiration is not indicated. Fasciotomy should only be used for patients with elevated compartment pressures. CroFab is a highly effective (but expensive) treatment useful for serious envenomation. Antivenom should be used in patients with life-threatening symptoms (hypotension, clinical coagulopathy) or rapid advancement of local signs, and to reduce compartment pressures to avoid fasciotomy. The most significant morbidity from insect envenomation is secondary to anaphylaxis. A bite from the black widow spider can induce abdominal cramping and pain that can mimics an acute abdomen. Brown recluse envenomation can produce tissue necrosis and long-term complications. Most events are seen rarely by the average physician; this review can be a useful guide in management. Key words: antivenom, copperhead bite, CroFab, insect bite, rattlesnake bite, snakebite, water moccasin bite