The Vital Brazil Hospital (HVB), specialized in the care of patients bitten by
venomous animals, began its activities in November 1945. With an accumulated
experience of more than six decades dedicated to care, teaching and research,
attested by its more than 100,000 medical records, it is recognized as one of
the most important references in the area of envenomation. The hospital
maintains an emergency service and has 10 beds for observation or
hospitalization.
Development of clinical and epidemiological studies related to human accidents
caused by venomous animals. In addition to patient care, the Hospital also
plays an important role in clinical research and standardization of therapeutic
procedures for accidents caused by venomous animals in Brazil.
The main lines of research developed at the HVB are related to the treatment of
human accidents caused by venomous animals. In order to reduce morbidity
and lethality caused by envenomation and reduce reactions to antivenoms,
clinical trials have been carried out to evaluate the efficacy of different
treatments.
With training programs for health professionals and guides for the diagnosis and
treatment of human accidents caused by venomous animals, the HVB
welcomes doctors, medical students, nurses and other health professionals for
training and voluntary internships. The hospital technicians also take part in
courses at the Institute itself (see Courses and Internships), teach in hospitals,
colleges and other teaching and research institutions. As a reference service in
the state of São Paulo, the HVB participates in the development of technical
standards and training of teams for patient care and provides technical support
to the Ministry of Health.
In Brazil, antivenoms are produced by Instituto Butantan (São Paulo), Fundação
Ezequiel Dias (Minas Gerais) and Instituto Vital Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). All
production is purchased by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, which distributes the
product across the country through the State Departments of Health. Thus, the
antivenoms are available in health services and administered to victims free of
charge.
In São Paulo, the list of strategic points for dealing with accidents caused by
venomous animals is available on the website www.cve.saude.sp.gov.br.
Snake accidents
Bothrops (accidents caused by snakes of the pit viper group): pain and swelling
at the bite site, sometimes with purplish spots and bleeding from the wound
caused by the bite; bleeding gums, skin and urine may occur. The most
importante complications are infection and necrosis in the bite area and renal
failure.
Lachesis (accidents caused by bushmasters): a condition similar to the
bothrops, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in heart rate and low blood
pressure.
Crotalus (accidents caused by rattlesnake): tingling sensation at the site,
without evident injury; difficulty keeping eyes open, looking drowsy, blurred or
double vision, generalized muscle pain, and dark urine.
Elapid (accidents caused by genuine coral snakes): no significant change is
observed at the bite site; manifestations of venomation are characterized by
blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids and drowsiness.
Observations
Non-venomous snakes can also cause accidents. Venomous snakes are not
always able to inject venom during an accident.
Spider accidents
There are three genera of medically important spiders in Brazil:
Loxosceles (“brown spider”): attacks when compressed; thus, it is common for
the accident to occur while the individual is sleeping or getting dressed, with the
torso, abdomen, thigh and arm being the most common sting sites. The venom
causes a skin lesion, which can be confused with other skin diseases. In some
cases there may be destruction of red blood cells and kidney impairment.
Phoneutria (Brazilian wandering/armed spider): most accidents occur in the
months of April and May. It is quite common for the accident to occur when the
individual is putting on shoes. The venom causes significant pain at the sting
site. It can cause reactions such as profuse sweating, vomiting, respiratory and
heart problems.
Latrodectus (“black widow”): found predominantly on the northeastern coast,
they cause mild and moderate accidents with local pain followed by muscle
contractions, agitation and sweating.
Observations