High Voltage Shock Treatment for Snake Bite

Guderian, RonaldH.; Mackenzie, C. D.; Williams, J. F.

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(86)92535-3

Cited by 43 publications

(22 citation statements)

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“…Prophylactic antibiotics, prophylactic fasciotomy, and the routine use of blood products should be avoided for the reasons discussed above. Application of electrical current from a spark plug or hand-held "stun gun" has been recommended for therapy based on anecdotal experience from a missionary physician in Ecuador[76]. Subsequent animal research and human experience have shown this practice to be ineffective and associated with significant tissue injury [77-81].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unified treatment algorithm for the management of crotaline snakebite in the United States: results of an evidence-informed consensus workshop

et al. 2011

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BackgroundEnvenomation by crotaline snakes (rattlesnake, cottonmouth, copperhead) is a complex, potentially lethal condition affecting thousands of people in the United States each year. Treatment of crotaline envenomation is not standardized, and significant variation in practice exists.MethodsA geographically diverse panel of experts was convened for the purpose of deriving an evidence-informed unified treatment algorithm. Research staff analyzed the extant medical literature and performed targeted analyses of existing databases to inform specific clinical decisions. A trained external facilitator used modified Delphi and structured consensus methodology to achieve consensus on the final treatment algorithm.ResultsA unified treatment algorithm was produced and endorsed by all nine expert panel members. This algorithm provides guidance about clinical and laboratory observations, indications for and dosing of antivenom, adjunctive therapies, post-stabilization care, and management of complications from envenomation and therapy.ConclusionsClinical manifestations and ideal treatment of crotaline snakebite differ greatly, and can result in severe complications. Using a modified Delphi method, we provide evidence-informed treatment guidelines in an attempt to reduce variation in care and possibly improve clinical outcomes.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unified treatment algorithm for the management of crotaline snakebite in the United States: results of an evidence-informed consensus workshop

et al. 2011

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“…Local application of high-voltage low-amperage direct electric current (dc) (so-called “electric shock for snakebites”) was reported by Guderian et al [46] to be successful with 34 venomous snakebite injuries treated in the Amazon Jungle of Ecuador (where at the time poisonous snakebites were responsible for 4% of deaths). The treatment involved local application of a high voltage (20–25 kV) low amperage (<1 mA) dc for 1–2 s around the bite, from a portable system (“Stun-gun”) they had developed.…”

Section: New and Old Approaches For Inhibition Of Hemorrhagic Venomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The treatment involved local application of a high voltage (20–25 kV) low amperage (<1 mA) dc for 1–2 s around the bite, from a portable system (“Stun-gun”) they had developed. The report claimed that 10 min after treatment, pain had gone and the sequelae of untreated bites (swelling, hemorragia, shock and renal failure, intense pain, edema, weakness, rapid pulse, bleeding disorders) did not develop [46]. A local effect or a direct effect on venom itself was proposed.…”

Section: New and Old Approaches For Inhibition Of Hemorrhagic Venomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kroegel and Meyer zum Büshenfelde [48] speculated that electric shocks would influence the hydrogen bonds and metal ions of the venom enzymes, and reported a decrease in the histamine releasing activity of melittin after exposure of bee venom to high-voltage, but the biological basis for the treatment remains unknown. In field experiments with a so-called “Stun-gun”, it was reported that “all pain had gone” from the bitten limb [46]. …”

Section: New and Old Approaches For Inhibition Of Hemorrhagic Venomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Inhibition of Hemorragic Snake Venom Components: Old and New Approaches

Panfoli

Calzia

Ravera

et al. 2010

Toxins

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Snake venoms are complex toxin mixtures. Viperidae and Crotalidae venoms, which are hemotoxic, are responsible for most of the envenomations around the world. Administration of antivenins aimed at the neutralization of toxins in humans is prone to potential risks. Neutralization of snake venom toxins has been achieved through different approaches: plant extracts have been utilized in etnomedicine. Direct electric current from low voltage showed neutralizing properties against venom phospholipase A2 and metalloproteases. This mini-review summarizes new achievements in venom key component inhibition. A deeper knowledge of alternative ways to inhibit venom toxins may provide supplemental treatments to serum therapy.

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“…Though some believe that electricity shortens the half-life of the venom (Guderian at al., 1986), or alters the hydrogen ion structure of the venom toxins (Kroegel and Meyer zum Buschenfelde, 1986), these actions are not consistent with the chemical or physical properties of the venom (Gold, 1995). Howe (1988) was unable to show adequate reduction in the spread of venom using electroshock therapy in rat models.…”

Section: Controversial Treatments Of Crotalid Envenomauonmentioning

confidence: 99%