A Guide to the Clinical Management of Vipera Snakebite in Italy

The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite manage...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inToxins Vol. 16; no. 6; p. 255
Main Authors Di Nicola, Matteo Riccardo, Crevani, Marta, Avella, Ignazio, Cerullo, Anna, Dorne, Jean-Lou C. M, Paolino, Giovanni, Zattera, Caterina
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.06.2024
MDPI
Subjects
Antivenins
antivenom
Bites and stings
Care and treatment
Complications and side effects
Cytotoxicity
Data collection
Dosage and administration
Epidemiology
First aid
Growth factors
Health care
Health services
Management
OldWorld vipers
Poisoning
Poisons
Proteins
Public health
Reporting requirements
Review
Side effects
Snake bites
snake venom
snakebite
Snakes
Toxins
Venom
Venomous snakes
Vipera
Viperidae
Italy
Europe
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Summary:The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite management. This study provides an updated, detailed set of guidelines for the management and treatment of Vipera snakebite tailored for Italian clinicians. It includes taxonomic keys for snake identification, insights into viper venom composition, and recommendations for clinical management. Emphasis is placed on quick and reliable identification of medically relevant snake species, along with appropriate first aid measures. Criteria for antivenom administration are outlined, as well as indications on managing potential side effects. While the protocol is specific to Italy, its methodology can potentially be adapted for other European countries, depending on local resources. The promotion of comprehensive data collection and collaboration among Poison Control Centres is advocated to optimise envenomation management protocols and improve the reporting of epidemiological data concerning snakebite at the country level.
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These authors share first authorship.
These authors share last authorship.
ISSN:2072-6651
2072-6651
DOI:10.3390/toxins16060255