title: Venomous snakebites in the Croatian North Dalmatia region.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Department of Surgery, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, Croatia. rkarlo01@gmail.com
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Karlo
authors: Boris
authors: B
authors: Dželalija
authors: Božidar
authors: B
authors: Zupančić
authors: Ivan
authors: I
authors: Bačić
authors: Tihomir
authors: T
authors: Dunatov
authors: Ante
authors: A
authors: Kanjer
authors: Rade
authors: R
authors: Skarica
authors: Srećko
authors: S
authors: Sabalić
authors: Nado
authors: N
authors: Bukvic
authors: Harry
authors: H
authors: Nikolić
authors: Goran
authors: G
authors: Augustin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017523:Croatia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000032:analysis*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins; D012910:Snake Venoms