Ophidian Accident-related Multi-organ Failure: a Case Report

Ophidian accidents are not rare in Brazil. Its frequency is of about 30,000 cases/year in Brazil, although ranging between different regions. The gender Bothrops, which includes snakes popularly known as 'jararaca', is by far the most frequently involved, followed by the gender Crotalus, mainly represented by the rattlesnake. Other genders as Micrurus and Lachesis have lower epidemiological relevance. Critical cases are uncommon, and the most severe complications include renal failure and blood coagulation disorders. Adult respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ systems failure are described, although rare. This report is aims to describe a case involving a Bothrops ophidian accident progressing to adult respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ and systems failure, and to discuss the therapy used.