Snakebites on Distal Extremities; Three Years of Experiences

Abstract

Background: Globally, 1.5 to 3 million people are exposed to snakebites each year. More than 100,000 of these cases, primarily in the tropics, result in death. This study includes an analysis of a university hospital's three-year experiences of distal extremity snakebites. Methods: This study includes 68 patients presented at the Emergency Department (ED) of Gaziantep University Hospital with snakebites on distal extremities (hands, fingers, and feet) between 01/03/2014 and 01/03/2017. Results: A total of 68 patients had wet snakebites on their distal extremities. Forty-seven patients (69%) were male, 21 (30.9%) were female, and the mean age was 43.03 ± 18.13 years. Snakebites most commonly occurred in September (26.5%, n = 18). Twenty-five (36.76%) patients had systemic symptoms (grades 2, 3, and 4). Also, 98.5% (n = 67) of patients received only antivenom therapy. Compartment syndrome was observed in one patient (1.5%), and this patient was treated with antivenom therapy and plasmapheresis. The most common local finding was pain (88.2%, n = 60). Also, 2.94 ± 2.5 vials of antivenom (range 0 - 10) were used per person on average, whereas the mean duration of hospitalization was 2.51 ± 1.5 (range 1 - 8) days. Conclusions: This study focused on hands, fingers, and feet because these parts can be protected (ie, preventing bites) by wearing shoes and protective gloves. Also, there was no mortality due to extremity snakebites. The most common long-term complications were paresthesia and movement limitation. It is recommended that high-risk populations (like agricultural laborers, nature travelers, and documentary teams) be taught appropriate first aid practices after snake bites.