Clinical, Laboratory, and Therapeutic Aspects of Crotalus durissus (South American Rattlesnake) Victims: A Literature Review

Biomed Res Int. 2019 Aug 5:2019:1345923. doi: 10.1155/2019/1345923. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries. To diagnosis and treat snakebites may be challenging to health care personnel since sufficient information has not been yet provided. This review presents the clinical, therapeutic, and laboratory aspects of Crotalus durissus (South American rattlesnakes) victims. The clinical setting may show local effects such as little or no pain, mild edema, and recurrent erythema. In contrast, the systemic effects may be quite remarkable, such as changes due to neurological damage, intense rhabdomyolysis, incoagulability of the blood, and variations in the peripheral blood elements. The main complication is acute kidney injury. The appropriate treatment depends mainly on the correct recognition of the aggressor snake and the symptoms expressed by the victim. Rattlesnake venom can cause irreparable damage and lead to death. Therefore, a prompt diagnosis allows the immediate onset of proper serotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / diagnosis*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / drug therapy
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Acute Kidney Injury / prevention & control
  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / drug therapy
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / pathology
  • Crotalid Venoms / adverse effects
  • Crotalus*
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Rhabdomyolysis / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyolysis / drug therapy
  • Rhabdomyolysis / pathology
  • Snake Bites / diagnosis*
  • Snake Bites / drug therapy
  • Snake Bites / pathology
  • Snake Bites / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Crotalid Venoms