title: SNAKE BITE: CASE SERIES OF PATIENTS PRESENTED TO GONDAR UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA.
abstract: Snakebite is an important public health challenge. Venomous snake bites cause significant morbidity and mortality if treatment measures, especially antivenom therapy, are delayed. We did a case series of 27 adult patients admitted after snakebite to the medical wards of Gondar University Hospital (GUH) from September 2013 to August 2014. The age range was from 15 to 74 years. The male to female ratio was 8:1. The majority (25) of patients presented after 12 hours of being bitten. Most of the bites occurred on the legs. Hematologic complications, including prolonged bedside whole blood clotting test, bleeding complications and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, were the common complications detected. The case fatality rate was 4/27 (14.8%). Availability of affordable snake specific antivenom is recommended. A large population study is needed to address the burden in Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Desalew
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mekonnen
authors.forename: Tadesse
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mitiku
authors.forename: Yenesew
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tamir
authors.forename: Aklilu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Azazh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins