Case Report: Treatment of a Severe Puff Adder Snakebite Without Antivenom Administration

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Antivenoms are the treatment of choice for managing lethal snakebites. However, antivenoms may not be available in instances where non-native vipers are kept in captivity. We report a case of a puff adder (Bitis arietans) bite treated without antivenom. A 23-year-old man was bitten on his left hand by a puff adder that he illegally kept in his house. The swelling spread rapidly to the upper arm and there was a risk of bleeding, suggesting the need for antivenom administration, but this could not be acquired because of lack of stock. We initiated fluid resuscitation and administered recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) to prevent venom-induced consumption coagulopathy. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment was also performed to reduce local swelling. The patient recovered without complications after the multidisciplinary treatment. Further studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of rTM administration and HBO therapy as an adjunct or alternative therapy with antiserum for fatal snakebite.