Clinical Manifestation of Snakebite in Patients Referred to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman - Southeastern Iran

Background: Snakebite is a medical emergency that frequently occurs in different countries. Considering the incidence of annual snakebite in Iran, this study deals with the epidemiology of snakebite in hospitalized patients. Epidemiological data of patients can improve proper and timely treatment of snakebiteMethods: This retrospective descriptive-analytical study was performed using census sampling of snakebite patients. The statistical population included all patients referred to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman from 2016 to 2018. After collecting data, the results were analyzed using chi-square and paired t-test.Results: A total of 36 snake bites were reported, 28 males and 8 females. The highest frequency was in the age range of 21-40 years. Local complications included pain 55.5, swelling 36.9, erythema 36.1, skin ecchymosis 13.9, tenderness 8.3, and bleeding 1%. Systemic symptoms included nausea and vomiting 16.6, headache 2, drowsiness 2, and 72.4 without symptoms. Out of 36 patients, 8 had compartment syndrome and 4 patients required fasciotomy. Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between bite and sex, bite and season.Conclusion: Local and systemic symptoms of patients indicate that Viperidae snakes are more likely to cause bites in this province. Snakebites have been more commonplace among men and in the age group of socially active people and more in summer. The development of treatment protocol by experienced and eager physicians with Local and systemic manifestation of venom caused by venomous snakes in the region is essential.