Case Report: Safe Tourniquet Removal in Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) Bites.
Am J Trop Med Hyg
; 106(1): 338-341, 2021 11 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34724630
ABSTRACT
The black mamba is known for its notorious potent neurotoxic venom. For this reason, their bites are often erroneously treated in the field with the application of a tourniquet in the hope of delaying systemic spread of the venom. Observational studies have shown that inappropriate tourniquet application is a common, harmful practice. An arterial tourniquet is not a recommended first aid measure because of the risk of limb ischemia and gangrene. When inappropriately applied, the rapid removal of the tourniquet in the emergency department may precipitate a life-threatening venom and metabolic toxin rush, leading to respiratory arrest. We present two cases of black mamba bites in Gauteng, South Africa, where gradual tourniquet removal was used to avoid a venom rush and rapid respiratory paralysis. Venom and metabolic toxin rush with potentially fatal respiratory muscle paralysis may be averted by gradual, cautious removal of field-applied tourniquets with concomitant antivenom administration.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Snake Bites
/
Tourniquets
/
Dendroaspis
Type of study:
Observational_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Animals
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Trop Med Hyg
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
South Africa