Naja Kaouthia: two cases of Asiatic cobra envenomations.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-2007
Abstract
Envenomation from cobra bites causes major morbidity and mortality in Asia and Africa but rarely in the United States. We describe two patients bitten by the Asiatic Cobra (Naja Kaouthia)--both successfully treated in the emergency department. Patient 1 was a 23-year-old woman bitten in the buttock by her cobra. Examination demonstrated two puncture wounds. She developed cranial neuropathy, respiratory failure, and coagulopathy 10 h later, necessitating endotracheal intubation and polyvalent antivenom administration. The patient recovered fully with minimal wound necrosis. Patient 2, a 44-year-old man, was bitten on the hand by his cobra. Examination revealed a puncture wound with progressive swelling. Edrophonium and monovalent antivenom were administered, and he recovered uneventfully. These cases emphasize the varied clinical presentations of the Asiatic cobra. Patient 1 developed delayed neurotoxicity, respiratory failure, and hematotoxicity with minimal wound necrosis, whereas Patient 2 experienced a more typical clinical course.
Volume
32
Issue
2
First Page
171
Last Page
174
ISSN
0736-4679
Published In/Presented At
Khandelwal G, Katz KD, Brooks DE, Gonzalez SM, Ulishney CD. Naja Kaouthia: two cases of Asiatic cobra envenomations. J Emerg Med. 2007 Feb;32(2):171-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2006.05.047. Epub 2007 Jan 17.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
17307627
Department(s)
Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Toxicology Division
Document Type
Article