Citation

Leclerc T, Debien B, Perez JP, Petit MP, Lenoir B. Ann. Fr. Anesth. Reanim. 2008; 27(4): 323-325.

Vernacular Title

Envenimation cobraique en France metropolitaine : repenser la prise en charge des

Affiliation

Service danesthesie-reanimation, HIA Percy, 101, avenue Henri-Barbusse, 92141 Clamart cedex, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.annfar.2007.10.040

PMID

18407456

Abstract

We report a case of accidental green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) envenomation in the suburbs of Paris. Although moderate, neurotoxic symptoms were clearly present. Immunotherapy with polyvalent serum FAV-Afrique((R)) was decided, but logistical problems prevented reasonably quick serum delivery to the hospital. Despite a spontaneously favourable outcome probably due to minimal envenomation, this case exemplifies a near-miss of the care system. Given the increasing incidence of potentially life-threatening exotic envenomations, management of similar cases should be improved. Besides breeders and health care professionals' information, we suggest that victims of an exotic envenomation be referred to a facility with experienced staff and ready access to a limited bank of carefully chosen antivenins.

Language: fr