Análisis clínico y epidemiológico de los accidentes por mordeduras de serpientes del gÚnero Bothrops en Venezuela [A clinical and epidemiological analysis of accidental bites by snakes of the genus Bothrops in Venezuela]

Clinical register of 60 patients bitten by Bothrops snake who assisted at Leopoldo Manrique Hospital and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (HLM-IMT) in Caracas during 1996-1997 were analysed. The accident was more frequent in males (45/75). In 32 cases (53.3) the snake was classified and 26 were Bothrops lanceolatus, 4 Bothrops venezuelensis and 2 Bothrops atrox. Anatomic regions more frequent bitten were superior members (40/66.6): hands (36/60), forearm (2/3.3), elbow (1/1.6) and arm (1/1.6). On inferior members (20/33.3): legs (6/10), feet (10/16.7), ankle (2/3.3), and the hip (2:3.3). The most frequent clinical manifestations in moderate and severe cases (33 patient) were pain (100), oedema (98), ecchymosis (76), blisters (20), necrosis (12), abscess (6) bleeding (19), heart failure (1/1.6), renal failure (1/1.6). The blood clotting was evaluated in 60 (100) cases and it was altered in 33 (55) patients. No deaths were recorded.