Publication:

Clinical profile and outcome of snakebites in children: a retrospective study from a tertiary hospital in North-East Nigeria

Background Snake bite envenomation constitutes a medical emergency that affect various organs and tissues, contingents upon the species responsible for the bite. It still remains a public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa and children are particularly at risk due to their smaller stature, outdoor activities, and delayed presentation to hospitals. This study aims to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcome of snake bites in children, in a tertiary hospital in Yola Northeastern Nigeria.

Methods This was a three-year descriptive retrospective study of all cases of snake bites in children admitted at the Emergency Paediatrics Unit of Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital Yola. Demographic and clinical data were collected from patient records and analysed using SPSS version 24.

Results Out of 3,606 children admitted in the emergency unit, 37 were cases of snake bites giving prevalence of 1%. The ratio of males to females in this study was 2.4:1, with a mean age +SD of 10.1±3.2 years. The lower limb is the most common site of bite in 26 (70.3%) patients and the highest prevalence of bite occurred between June and August. Characteristics of envenomation comprised local swelling 37 (100%), pain 23 (62.2%) and prolonged bleeding 17 (45.9%). Two of the patients died, giving a case fatality rate of 5.4%.

Conclusions Our study reveals distinct patterns of snakebites in children, predominantly affecting adolescent male and high rate of envenomation. Prompt identification of snakebite and medical intervention remains a crucial factor in improving outcomes and reducing mortality.