A rare manifestation of serum sickness after common krait envenomation in a patient treated with polyvalent anti-snake venom in India: Presentation and challenges

Abstract

Envenomation from snakebites is a significant public health concern in the Southeast Asian region resulting in considerable mortality and morbidity. Anti-snake venom (ASV) despite being the only rescue can bring forth several acute and delayed adverse effects. Among them, serum sickness is a late manifestation after treatment with ASV that presents after 5–14 days of treatment. However, there is no specific definition to diagnose serum sickness or proven treatment. Here, we present a case of serum sickness to provide an insight into this unventured zone, briefing the presentation, treatment and probable reason for serum sickness and its prevention after common krait envenomation and treatment with polyvalent ASV in India.

Keywords

• emergency department
• serum sickness
• snakebite
• snake venom