Clinical characterization of pediatric patient treated for snake bite, Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, 2015-2019

Abstract

Background: The clinical manifestations of snake bites are similar in adults and children, although more severe in the latter due to the proportion of venom inoculated by the snake and the body size of the pediatric patient. Objective: To characterize clinically pediatric patients treated for snake bites, Pediatric Emergency Room, Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa January 2015-January 2019. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study; on clinical records. Characteristics of the oidic accident, clinical manifestations and treatment were recorded. The snake was identiied based on characteristics reported by family members or by Clinical Laboratory Department report. Results: Forty-eight cases were identiied, mean age 11.3 years (standard deviation +/- 5.2); male 62.5% (30), rural origin 79.2% (38). The snakes were identiied as Viperidae family 87.5% (42); genus Crotalus (Cascabel) 45.8% (22) and Porthidium (Tamagás negro) 35.4% (17). The bite was classiied as mild in 60.4% (29) cases; on the foot (right/left) in 41.6% (20) cases. Clinically they had ecchymosis 41.7% (20), pain and edema 100.0% (48/48); criteria of severity identiied in 12.5% (6), complications 41.7% (20); with immediate hypersensitivity to antivenom serum 25.0% (12) versus anaphylactic reaction 2.0% (1). The management was application anti-venom serum 83.3% (40), with no cases mortality. Discussion: The indings in this study are compatible with that reported by other authors. The clinical evolution was very good, identifying practical utility when applying severity criteria as a guide for the initial approach and prognosis. Implementation of an emergency care protocol for snake bites is recommended.