A 5-year retrospective evaluation of snakebite cases in Hatay, Turkey

Snakebites are relatively rare medical emergency cases that might lead to serious consequences. This study aims to evaluate snakebite cases in terms of medical follow-up, antivenom therapy and antivenom reactions. Medical records of patients admitted to emergency department between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 were retrospectively investigated. Snakebite-related cases of a total of 125 patients were included in the scope of the study. Of the total 125 cases, 54.4% were male and 45.6% were female. Most of cases (n: 65, 52%) were aged over 30 years, while the mean age was 34.87 ± 19.29 years. Snakebite-related applications to the emergency department were mostly seen in June with 27 cases. Upon admitting, all patients were recorded to be conscious and showing good general conditions; however, they suffered from pain and edema at the site of bite. Of all, 25 patients only suffered from bite injury and ecchymosis due to snakebite. The site of bite was upper extremities in 66 patients (52.8%), whereas it was lower extremities in 58 (46.4%). Of all, antivenom was unnecessary in 25 (20%) patients, while four antivenoms were administered to each of the 23 (18.4%) patients. Furthermore, six (4.8%) patients needed nine antivenom administrations for each. Anaphylaxis (n: 2, 1.6%), compartment syndrome (n: 2, 1.6%) and serum sickness (n: 1, 0.8%) encountered in remaining cases. Of all, 86 (68.8%) patients were hospitalized in the emergency department, while 25 (20.0%) patients were followed up by observation in emergency service. Only one patient was treated and followed up in intensive care unit. Implementation of antivenom therapy is considered unnecessary for the treatment of all snakebite cases. Antivenom reactions and number of related cases might be reduced by continuous close monitoring, appropriate prophylaxis and controlled slow infusion administration of medications.