ABSTRACT
Deinagkistrodon acutus envenomation is one of the most common types of venomous snakebite in China and causes a series of envenomating effects on its victims. However, more specific information on the characteristics of D. acutus envenomation is rare in the English literature. Therefore, we aimed to give a detailed description of the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with D. acutus envenomation. Patients who were admitted with D. acutus envenomation between January 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The data on demographics, clinical manifestations, laboratory features, management, and outcomes were collected. A total of 158 cases of D. acutus envenomation were enrolled. Men (n = 121; 76.6%) and rural populations (n = 133; 84.2%) were the high-risk groups, and most incidents (n = 141; 89.2%) happened between May and September. The specific effect was tissue necrosis at bite site, which occurred in 72 patients (45.6%). Other envenomation effects include extensive limb swelling, blistering, wound bleeding, and coagulopathy. In the envenomed patients, 155 (98.1%) received antivenom, 47 (29.7%) needed operations, 20 (12.7%) required intensive care, and one died. Deinagkistrodon acutus envenomation is a common snakebites emergency in Hangzhou area. A high rate of tissue necrosis at bite site and venom-induced consumption coagulopathy are the characteristics of D. acutus envenomation. Although the mortality rate is low, some patients still require intensive care.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Venomous snakebite is a neglected yet an important public health problem in China, and few studies have focused on them so far. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical characteristics of snakebites patients in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, southeast China. METHODS: A total of 416 snakebite cases were included in this retrospective study. The data were collected from the medical records including demographics, clinical manifestations, management and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 416 patients with venomous snakebites, 248 were male, and the average age was 54.6 years. The majority of cases occurred in rural in May to September. Out of all the venomous bites, Gloydius brevicaudus accounted for the highest percentage (55.3%). Hands were the most vulnerable site to snakebites (47.4%). Patients had clinical manifestations of pain (100%), swelling (100%), wound necrosis (25.7%), hemorrhagic blister (18.3%), and blister (8.7%). Three hundred and ninety-two patients received antivenom administration, and most were treated within six hours after bites. Twenty-six patients received surgical treatments, and 90 patients developed venom-induced consumption coagulopathy. No deaths have occurred in this study. CONCLUSION: Hangzhou is one of the regions with high affecting of snakebites in China. The results of this study will increase the understanding of the clinical characteristics of venomous snakebites in Hangzhou area.
