Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
were inflicted on the victims' fingers. Four of
six victims had edema that progressed from
the affected hand to the elbow, and the edema
reportedly reached the shoulder in 2/6. All of the
victims reported symptom resolution within 10
days, although one patient described persistent
episodic “cold sensitivity” at the wound site.
Local blistering occurred in one patient, and
all laboratory investigations in the series
were unremarkable. None of the victims had
neurovascular compromise. Three of the victims
were below age 21 years, and one (13 years)
reported two episodes of vomiting after being
bitten (see Sections 4.4-4.6 regarding autonomic
responses to snake bite). Another pediatric
patient (age 15 years) was a Type 1 diabetic,
but fortunately had an uncomplicated course. It
is noteworthy that one of the pediatric victims
was transferred for surgical evaluation (e.g.,
fasciotomy) in order to rule out compartmental
syndrome (see the reviewed case of
Philodryas
viridissimus
bite for relevant discussion about
the need for careful evaluation of snake bite local
effects). Fortunately, the edema and ecchymoses
resolved, and he was discharged. Treatment
of these patients included: antihistamines,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids,
antibiotics, and tetanus prophylaxis. Rodriguez-
Robles and Thomas (1992) briefly described their
respective bites from
A. portoricensis
