Use of CroFab antivenin in the management of a very young pediatric copperhead envenomation

J Emerg Med. 2005 Aug;29(2):159-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2005.02.005.

Abstract

The use of crotalid Fab antivenin (CroFab) in the treatment of snake envenomations in the pediatric population is still an underexplored area. There are very limited data to confirm the efficacy and safety of dosing children the same as adults and even less information available to evaluate this antivenin use in copperhead snake bites in children. We report the first use of crotalid Fab antivenin in an adult dose for a copperhead snake envenomation in a 2-year-old child. She had rapid resolution of symptoms with no adverse effects. The report serves to increase the literature supporting the current dosing recommendations of crotalid Fab antivenin in very young pediatric patients evidenced by its effectiveness in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Agkistrodon*
  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Edema / etiology
  • Emergency Medicine / methods
  • Female
  • Hand
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / therapeutic use*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management
  • Snake Bites / complications
  • Snake Bites / diagnosis
  • Snake Bites / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Crotalidae Polyvalent immune Fab
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments