Current use of Australian snake antivenoms and frequency of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate current use of Australian snake antivenoms and the frequency and severity of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. DESIGN: Nested prospective cohort study as part of the Australian Snakebite Project. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients receiving snake antivenom in Australian hospitals between 1 January 2002 and 30 November 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The use of CSL Limited antivenom; frequency and severity of hypersensitivity reactions to antivenom; premedication and treatment of these reactions. RESULTS: Snake antivenom was administered to 195 patients, mostly for venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (145 patients, 74%), followed by non-specific systemic effects..