%0 Journal Article
%T Management of snakebite victims using low dose antisnake venom in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria: A 5-year Retrospective study
%A A.O. Isah
%A A.O. Opadeyi
%A A.S. Ayinbuomwan
%J -
%D 2018
%X Objective: Antisnake venom (ASV) is a specific antidote for the management of snake bite envenomations. This study profiled the treatment and outcome of adult snake bite victims managed using low dose antisnake venom. Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective study that involved all adult patients who presented in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, with a history of snake bite. Information obtained were demographic characteristics, clinical features, and administered treatment per established. All patients with a diagnosis of snake bite envenomation were administered ASV. Results: Sixty patients were seen during the study period, 35(58.3%) males, 25(41.7%) females with a mean age was 34.7¡À13.3. The mean time from bite to presentation was 14.67¡À14.05 hours with range of 1- 48 hours. Twenty patients (33.3%) had snake bite envenomations, of these eleven (57.9%) were managed and discharged after administration of 30 to 40 mls of polyvalent ASV. The mean dose of PASV used was 3.9 ¡À 2.0 vials. The most encountered clinical indication for ASV administration was progressive painful swelling. No death was recorded throughout this period studied. Conclusion: Adoption of the low dose regimen in the management of snake bite envenomations may be as effective as the traditional high dose regimen.
%K Snake bite
%K envenomation
%K polyvalent antisnake venom
%K Nigeria.
%U https://www.ajol.info/index.php/rejhs/article/view/174100