Review article. Diagnosis and management of venomous snakebites in Southeast Asia

Background: Globally, snake envenoming is an important medical problem. Various species from different parts of the world require a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Objective: Review clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of venomous snakebites in Southeast Asia.

Method: Relevant information was extracted from publications in the PUBMED database (up to June 2012) and the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Expert opinions of the authors were added when clinical trial evidence was lacking.

Results: The clinical findings including local tissue damage, muscular weakness, coagulopathy, and renal injury were summarized. These data can be used to deduce the responsible snake species. The guide for the first aid, initial evaluation, follow-up observation, and antivenin administration was also suggested.

Conclusion: It is critical to transport snakebite victims to hospitals as soon as possible for basic and advance life supports. Appropriate usage of antivenin is life-saving. However, a mode to prevent debilitating tissue necrosis remains to be defined.