Clinical Trial of an F(ab’)2 Polyvalent Equine Antivenom for African Snake Bites in Benin

J.-P. Chippaux Unité de Recherche 010, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, La Paz, Bolivia; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin; Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

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A. Massougbodji Unité de Recherche 010, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, La Paz, Bolivia; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin; Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

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R. P. Stock Unité de Recherche 010, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, La Paz, Bolivia; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin; Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

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A. Alagon Unité de Recherche 010, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, La Paz, Bolivia; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin; Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

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We report the results of a trial designed to measure the safety and efficacy of African Antivipmyn®, a new freeze-dried polyvalent equine F(ab’)2-based antivenom. We tested 289 envenomations. After treatment, 19% of treated patients had undesirable events, all benign. A possible adverse effect was attributed to this antivenom in 11% of the patients. Bleeding was observed in 48% of the patients; it stopped within 2 hours after treatment with antivenom in 60% of the patients. Blood incoagulability was observed in 80% of the patients. Restoration of coagulation was attained within 4 hours in 60% of the patients. Nine patients died; 6 arrived at the hospital in the final stage of complications and 5 arrived at the hospital more than 60 hours after the bite. The value of blood coagulation tests in diagnosis of envenomation and bleeding as an indicator of renewal of treatment are emphasized.

Author Notes

  • 1

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    Chippaux JP, Lang J, Amadi Eddine S, Fagot P, Le Mener V, 1999. Treatment of snake envenomations by a new polyvalent antivenom composed of highly purified F(ab’)2: results of a clinical trial in northern Cameroon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 61 :1017–1018.

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