title: Contributing Factors for Complications and Outcomes in Patients With Snakebite: Experience in a Medical Center in Southern Taiwan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Snakebite usually results in various complications, such as significant soft tissue damage, infection, hematological, and neurological deficit. Surgical intervention, usually, is indicated in patients with tissue necrosis, infection, and compartment syndrome. To identify the contributing factors for complications and outcomes in different patients with snakebite so that outcomes can be evaluated and treatment of such patients can be initiated at the earliest.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information was collected regarding age, sex, underlying disease, species of snake, and the course of treatment of the victims of snakebite who visited the emergency department of a medical center in southern Taiwan between 2004 and 2014. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 20.0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bites from Taiwan cobra (Naja naja atra) significantly resulted in more complications than those from other snakes and required surgical intervention. The use of antivenin and antibiotics, immediate presentation to the hospital, and the location of the bite also were significant contributing factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taiwan cobra significantly results in higher possibility of prolonged hospitalization, operation, tissue necrosis, infection, and necrotizing fasciitis. Location of the bite, immediate presentation to the hospital, and use of antivenin and antibiotics affect the outcome of snakebite. Knowledge of these factors will help in a better management of patients with snakebite.
authors.affiliation: From the *Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung; and †National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yu-Hsuan
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Jung-Hua
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Hsueh
authors.forename: Wen-Chung
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Kuo-Chung
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Kuei-Chang
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Cheng-Ta
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yen-Yi
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Lee-Wei
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D013624:Taiwan; D016896:Treatment Outcome