Case series: pediatric coral snake bites

Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvisu)
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Coral Snake Bites and Envenomation in Children: A Case Series. Sasaki J et al. Pediatr Emer Care 2014 Apr;30:262-265.
Abstract
Of the approximately 4700 native venomous snake bites reported to U.S. poison centers each year, about 98% involve pit vipers (Crotalinae). The other 2% result from encounters with coral snakes (Elapidae).
In contrast to bites from pit vipers, those from coral snakes typically cause minimal local tissue effects. However, coral snake envenomation can produce neurotoxicity — with delayed onset of up to 12 hours — and progress (rarely) to respiratory paralysis and death.
Of the 3 native Elapidae in the United States, the Texas and Arizona coral snakes are only mildly toxic. The Eastern Coral snake (Micrurus fulvis), on the other hand, can be highly toxic. There is an antivenom available for bites from the Eastern coral snake.
This paper describes 4 children admitted to the pediatric ICU at Miami Children’s Hospital with a proven or suspected coral snake bite. One child, a 6-year-old boy, developed bulbar palsy and ataxia that stated 9 hours after the bite. He required intubation and assisted ventilation for 8 days. He was discharged on day 16 with residual ataxia that we gone by 10 weeks.
The authors note that Eastern coral snake venom can cause severe neurotoxicity, with manifestations including ptosis, local numbness and paresthesias, increased salivation, bulbar palsy, and respiratory ...

Source: The Poison Review - May 9, 2014 Category: Toxicology Authors: Leon Tags: Medical coral snake bite eastern coral snake elapidae envenomation neurotoxicity Source Type: news