Author/Authors :
Al-Durihim, H. King Abdulaziz Medical City - King Fahad National Guard Hospital - Department of Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Al-Hussaini, M. King Abdulaziz Medical City - King Fahad National Guard Hospital - Department of Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Bin Salih, S. King Abdulaziz Medical City - King Fahad National Guard Hospital - Department of Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Hassan, I. King Abdulaziz Medical City - King Fahad National Guard Hospital - Division of Internal Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Harakati, M. King Abdulaziz Medical City - King Fahad National Guard Hospital - Department of Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Al Hajjaj, A. King Abdulaziz Medical City - King Fahad National Guard Hospital - Division of Internal Medicine, Saudi Arabia
Abstract :
We surveyed the records of 21 of the 28 snakebite victims seen at King Fahad National Guard Hospital in Riyadh over the 20-year period 1986–2005. The most common symptoms were local pain and swelling and the most common signs oedema and tenderness. Neurotoxicity was not noted in any case. Coagulopathy was recorded for 14/21 patients (66.7%) and 5/19 (26.4%) had leukocytosis. All patients were given tetanus toxoid (100%) and 20 (95.2%) received antivenom. Blood products were administered in 2 cases and prophylactic antibiotics in 10 (47.6%). No allergic reaction to antivenom was reported.
