Ruha AM, et al. - This study encompassed an elucidation of the epidemiology, clinical course and management of snakebites in the North American Snakebite Registry (NASBR). Data extraction was done by the NASBR on venomous snakebites across the US. It was noted that the findings with regard to footwear would yield public health interventions and education. The information regarding the clinical presentation could assist the physicians to better predict the effects and manage snakebite. With the persistent increase in the number of cases in the NASBR, an exploration could be carried out of the correlations between patient-related factors and outcomes.

Methods

• Data was extracted from the NASBR between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015.
• Descriptive statistics reported the findings.
• Fourteen sites in 10 states entered 450 snakebites.

Results

• Native species consisted of 99% of the cases.
• Maximum cases were of pit viper bites.
• During this research, 56.3% were identified as rattlesnakes and 29.4% as copperheads.
• 69.3% were male and 28.2% were children age 12 and under.
• Fifty-four percent of bites appeared to be on the lower extremity.
• Shoes were not worn by 27% of patients with lower extremity bites.
• Swelling, ecchymosis, and erythema were the common tissue findings associated with envenomation.
• Systemic effects and hematologic toxicity were a frequent occurrence in rattlesnake than copperhead or cottonmouth envenomations.
• 84% of the patients received Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab antivenom.
• Twelve patients (4.3%) underwent hospital re-admission, on completion of the treatment.
• 8 patients were re-treated with antivenom.