Snake Venom and Antivenom Pharmacology

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  SNAKE VENOM & ANTIVENOM Chemistry, Composition, Mechanisms and Pharmacology Abstract This integrated teaching session for Phase III MBBS students focused on the pharmacology and toxicology of snake venom and the principles of antivenom therapy. The lecture covered the chemistry, composition, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological effects of snake venoms and antivenoms. Rational use of antivenoms, indications, administration protocols, adverse reactions, and supportive management strategies were discussed. The session also highlighted the translational importance of venom-derived compounds in modern drug development. Recent advances in antivenom research, including recombinant human monoclonal antibodies, toxin-specific inhibitors, synthetic antibody technologies, and next-generation broad-spectrum antivenoms, were reviewed. Current discoveries and emerging approaches aimed at improving efficacy, safety, affordability, and accessibility of antivenom therapy were also explor...

Myocardial injury within 24 hours of Viperidae snake envenomation: a prospective cohort study-a single-center experience from Chongqing, China

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Myocardial injury within 24 hours of Viperidae snake envenomation: a prospective cohort study-a single-center experience from Chongqing, China

Abstract

Myocardial injury following Viperidae snake envenomation significantly worsens clinical outcomes and healthcare burden, yet its early diagnostic predictors remain understudied. In this prospective cohort study from Chongqing, China, we analyzed 75 Viperidae-envenomed patients and 78 healthy controls within 24 h post-bite, assessing electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac biomarkers (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein), and echocardiographic right ventricular strain parameters. Results demonstrated a 14.7% incidence of myocardial injury, with 24.0% of patients exhibiting ECG abnormalities, alongside significant elevations in cardiac biomarkers and inflammatory markers (P < 0.05). The absolute values of Right Ventricular Free-wall Strain (RVFWS) and Global Longitudinal Strain (RVGLS) were significantly reduced in envenomed patients, especially in those with concomitant myocardial injury (P < 0.001). Both parameters demonstrated high diagnostic performance: RVFWS—area under the ROC curve 0.846 (95% CI 0.742–0.950); RVGLS—area under the ROC curve 0.825 (95% CI 0.700–0.950). Delayed hospitalization (> 1 h post-bite) independently predicted myocardial injury risk (OR = 1.178, P < 0.05), highlighting the critical need for rapid intervention. These findings identify RVFWS and RVGLS as sensitive early diagnostic markers for cardiac complications and underscore the importance of timely hospitalization to mitigate myocardial injury.

Chen, J., Yin, J., Zhu, D. et al. Myocardial injury within 24 hours of Viperidae snake envenomation: a prospective cohort study-a single-center experience from Chongqing, China. Intern Emerg Med (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-026-04292-3