Vipera berus bites in children--experience of early antivenom treatment.

Children are a risk group for snake bites. Treatment with antivenom is controversial. Three cases of snake bite (Vipera berus) in children are reported. Antivenom was given due to serious toxic reactions. The clinical course in these three cases indicate that in children treatment with antivenom should be seriously considered at an early stage when there are signs of exposure to a considerable amount of poison, i.e. hypotension, drowsiness or confusion, acidosis and leucocytosis. Allergic diathesis is a relative contraindication.