TY - JOUR
PY - 2011//
TI - Venomous snakebites in the Croatian North Dalmatia region
JO - Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
A1 - Karlo, Robert
A1 - Dželalija, Boris
A1 - Zupancić, Bozidar
A1 - Bacić, Ivan
A1 - Dunatov, Tihomir
A1 - Kanjer, Ante
A1 - Skarica, Rade
A1 - Sabalić, Srećko
A1 - Bukvic, Nado
A1 - Nikolić, Harry
A1 - Augustin, Goran
SP - 732
EP - 737
VL - 123
IS - 23-24
N2 - AIM: The aim of this research project is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory attributes of venomous snakebites and to ascertain the timely and efficient treatment at the location where the incident took place or in varying clinical conditions. METHODS: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were collected from people who were bitten by venomous snakes as well as treatments at Zadar General Hospital during a span of eleven years (1999-2009) which were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: During that period, 93 people were bitten by venomous snakes of which 57 patients (62%) were male and 36 (38%) were female. In 82 cases (90%), the bite area was localized on the limbs while in the remaining 11 cases the bite area was located elsewhere. At the time of the venomous snakebite, 31 (33%) patients were performing leisure activities and 44 (47.31%) of them were at work. The most common local snakebite signs are swelling and pain at the bite site (93 patients; 100%), hematomas and ecchymoses (87 patients; 89%). Of the affected patients, 8 suffered from compartment syndrome and one person (0.97%) expired. CONCLUSION: Antivenom treatment for preventing possible allergic reactions should take place at the medical institution where the victim was transported. However, when transport is not immediately available or in cases where the victim shows clear signs of envenomation, antivenom treatment should be used immediately because its effect is weaker if the venom is allowed to run its course. Language: en
LA - en
SN - 0043-5325
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00508-011-0085-x
ID - ref1
ER -