Envenomation by a death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) in Perth

Abstract

Objective: Recently it has been recommended that a combination of brown snake and tiger snake antivenom be given to a patient envenomed by an unidentified snake in Perth, except when the bite occurred in the areas where the death adder is prevalent. We present the first reported case of envenomation by a death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) in Perth, with a view to examining the appropriateness of that recommendation. Clinical features: A 36 year old woman, bitten in a suburb of Perth where death adders are not usually seen, presented with progressive paralysis. Intervention and outcome: Rapid and complete recovery immediately after one ampoule of death adder antivenom confirmed the diagnos..