Trial of the new antivenin serum INSERP®PANAFRICAIN in the Republic of Guinea for the treatment of patients bitten by venomous snakes

Abstract

Introduction The intoxication rate due to venomous snake bites in the population in the Republic of Guinea is 100-150 cases per 100 000 habitants with the mortality rate to 18% and represents a serious problem for public health services of the country. In the same time there is a big lack in antivenin sera supply. Nevertheless, the provision with antivenin serum against snake venom in the country is evidently not enough. Aim of research clinical trials of the efficiency and tolerance of a new polyvalent antivenin sera Inoserp® Panafricain against snake venom in comparison with the used previously serum Antivipmyn® Afrique. Methods There were treated 109 patients with pronounced symptoms of intoxication due to venomous snake bites. In the absence of hemolytic and neurologic symptoms they were intravenously administered the 1 dose (10 ml) of serum or 2 doses in the presence of mentioned symptoms. If situation so requires (in the absence of the positive effect, the occurrence of hemorrhage and neurological symptoms) this serum was re-administered 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours after the first injection. There was noted a status ofpatient and the presence of side effects after the application of this serum. Results All 109 patients have received an average of 1.1 doses (ampules) of serum. 108 patients (99%) recovered without consequences. No case of necrosis was observed. There was noted the 1 fatal case (0.9% of total patients). In 6 (5.5%) patients 10 minutes after administration of the serum there were noted side effects, but shortly they disappeared. The overall mortality rate in our experience was lower than in the testing of the similar serum Antivipmyn® Afrique, especially in patients who have not received antisera against the venom of snakes. Conclusion The efficacy and tolerability of the Inoserp® Panafricain serum were higher as mortality rate (0.9%) and side effects (5.5%) - lower in comparison with the serum Antivipmyn® Afrique. This experience has shown the perspectiveness of the use of serum Inoserp® Panafricain for the treatment of cases bitten by venomous snakes in Guinea.