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Treatment of Snake Bites at a Regional Burn Center

Treatment of Snake Bites at a Regional Burn Center

Authors :
Stephen D. Helmer
Gie N Yu
Anjay K Khandelwal
Source :
Kansas Journal of Medicine. 6:44-50
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
The University of Kansas, 2013.

Abstract

Background. Although uncommon, snakebites can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to review the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with a suspected or known snakebite who were treated at a regional verified burn center. Methods. A retrospective chart review of all snakebite victims was conducted for the time frame between January 1991 and June 2009. Results. During the study period, 12 patients were identified. One of the twelve patients was excluded because he had been admitted as an outpatient for wound debridement after being initially treated at another facility. Ten of the remaining 11 patients were male (90.9%). Rattlesnakes were responsible for the majority of bites. One of the eleven patients needed a fasciotomy. The majority of patients received antivenin (ACP/fabAV). No anaphylactoid reactions to either antivenin were recorded. There were no deaths. Conclusion. With burn centers evolving into centers for the care of complex wounds, patients with snakebite injuries can be managed safely in a burn center. KS J Med 2013; 6(2):44-50.

Details

ISSN :
19482035
Volume :
6
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Kansas Journal of Medicine
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........983b770410771237b08b0d31fc270ead
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.v6i2.11437