Snakebite case management: a cohort study in Northwest Ethiopia, 2012-2020

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Clinical Toxicology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Snakebites pose a significant public health threat in tropical regions, particularly in rural areas.
• Delayed access to healthcare facilities exacerbates snakebite morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical features of snakebite patients admitted to hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.
• To identify risk factors associated with adverse treatment outcomes in snakebite cases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study was conducted reviewing medical charts of 250 snakebite patients.
• Data were collected from University of Gondar Hospital and Metema Hospital between September 2012 and August 2020.

Main Results:

• Most patients (80.8%) were male, with a median age of 24 years.
• A majority presented over 12 hours post-bite, with many receiving antibiotics and antivenom.
• Rural residence, bacterial superinfection, advanced clinical stage at admission, and lack of antivenom were linked to poor outcomes (death, amputation).

Conclusions:

• Timely presentation to healthcare facilities is crucial for effective snakebite management.
• Appropriate clinical management, including the timely administration of antivenom, is essential to reduce snakebite-related mortality and morbidity.