Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Epidemiology of the Reported Severity of Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) Snakebite”

Authors: Jason Collins, MD, FACEP

Abstract

Walter and colleagues have reviewed trends of snakebite severity as reported in the annual reports of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Their analysis of rates in a period of 25 years leads to discussions regarding antivenom and how it has influenced treatment and affected outcomes, poison control center data, and the general relevance of this type of study to daily clinical practice.1

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References

1. Walter FG, Stolz U, Shirazi F, et al. Epidemiology of the reported severity of copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) snakebite. South Med J 2012; 105: 313–320.
 
2. Lavonas EJ, Kokko J, Schaeffer TH, et al. Short-term outcomes after Fab antivenom therapy for severe crotaline snakebite. Ann Emerg Med 2011; 57: 128–137.
 
3. Caravati EM. Copperhead bites and crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine): routine use requires evidence of improved outcomes. Ann Emerg Med 2004; 43: 207–208.
 
4. CroFab [prescribing information]. Brentwood, TN: BTG International; September 2010.
 
5. Lavonas EJ, Gerardo CJ, O’Malley G, et al. Initial experience with crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) antivenom in the treatment of copperhead snakebite. Ann Emerg Med 2004; 43: 200–206.
 
6. Spiller HA, Griffith JRK. The value and evolving role of the U.S. poison control center system. Public Health Rep 2004; 124: 359–363.