Journal article
Coral Snake Bites and Envenomation in Children
Pediatric emergency care, Vol.30(4), pp.262-265
04/01/2014
DOI: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000109
PMID: 24694882
Abstract
Objective North America is home to 2 families of venomous snakes, Crotalinae (pit viper family) and Elapidae (coral snake family). Although there are several published reports describing and reviewing the management of pit viper snakebites in children, there are no recent similar publications detailing the clinical course and management of coral snake envenomation.
Methods Our case series describes the hospital course of children with coral snake bites admitted to our regional pediatric intensive care. We also reviewed prior published case reports of coral snake bites in the United States.
Results We identified 4 patients with either confirmed or suspected coral snake envenomation from our hospital's records. In 2 cases, the snakebite occurred after apparent provocation. Antivenom was administered to 3 patients. The regional venom response team was consulted for management advice and supplied the antivenom. One patient had a prolonged hospital course, which was complicated by respiratory failure, bulbar palsy, and ataxia. All survived to discharge.
Conclusions Admission to pediatric intensive care is warranted after all Eastern coral snake bites. A specialized regional or national venom response team can be a useful resource for management advice and as a source of antivenom.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Coral Snake Bites and Envenomation in Children
- Creators
- Jun Sasaki - Miami Children's HospitalPaul A. Khalil - Miami Children's HospitalMadhuradhar Chegondi - Miami Children's HospitalAndre Raszynski - Miami Children's HospitalKeith G. Meyer - Miami Children's HospitalBalagangadhar R. Totapally - Miami Children's Hospital
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Pediatric emergency care, Vol.30(4), pp.262-265
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- DOI
- 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000109
- PMID
- 24694882
- ISSN
- 0749-5161
- eISSN
- 1535-1815
- Number of pages
- 4
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/01/2014
- Academic Unit
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Record Identifier
- 9984353783302771
Metrics
3 Record Views