Frequent and potentially fatal envenoming by hump-nosed pit vipers (Hypnale hypnale and H. nepa) in Sri Lanka: lack of effective antivenom.

Journal article

In a prospective study of snake bites involving 10 hospitals in Sri Lanka, 302 (35%) of 860 patients with bites by identified snakes proved to have been bitten by hump-nosed pit vipers (301 by Hypnale hypnale and 1 by H. nepa). Most victims were males aged between 11 years and 50 years who had been bitten on their feet or ankles while walking at night close to their homes. There was local swelling in 276 (91%) and local necrosis in 48 (16%). Eleven (4%) required amputation of fingers or toes ...

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Authors: Ariaratnam, C; Thuraisingam, V; Kularatne, SA; Sheriff, M; Theakston, R

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Volume: 102
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1120-1126
• Publication date: 2008-11-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.03.023
• EISSN: 1878-3503
• ISSN: 0035-9203
• Language: English
• Keywords: Prospective Studies; Female; Viperidae; Adult; Blood Coagulation Disorders; Animals; Male; Viper Venoms; Age Distribution; Snake Bites; Young Adult; Acute Kidney Injury; Antivenins; Adolescent; Sri Lanka; Middle Aged; Sex Distribution; Child; Aged; Humans