Boletim informativo de toxicologia: acidentes ofídicos / Toxicology Fact Sheet: Snakebites

Os acidentes por animais peçonhentos, especialmente os acidentes ofídicos, foram incluídos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) na lista das doenças tropicais negligenciadas que acometem, na maioria das vezes, populações pobres que vivem em áreas rurais, devido à gravidade constituem um problema de saúde pública. O sucesso no tratamento do paciente para que os mesmos não gerem sequelas graves, podendo chegar ao óbito, requer atendimento de forma rápida, com o uso adequado do soro específico quando necessário para cada espécie de serpentes e na quantidade recomendada. Em Goiás as principais serpentes que causam acidente são dos gêneros: Bothrops (jararacas), Crotalus (cascavéis) e Micrurus (coral), são considerados acidentes graves que demandam o uso de soros antivenenos específicos

Accidents by venomous animals, especially snakebites, were included by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the list of neglected tropical diseases that affect, most of the time, poor people living in rural areas, due to the seriousness of a public health problem. . Successful treatment of the patient so that they do not generate serious sequelae, which can lead to death, requires quick care, with the appropriate use of specific serum when necessary for each species of snakes and in the recommended amount. In Goiás, the main snakes that cause accidents are of the genera: Bothrops (jararacas), Crotalus (rattlesnakes) and Micrurus (coral), are considered serious accidents that require the use of specific antivenom serums

Anti-Snake Venom Properties of Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract Snakebite is one of the major health issues posing considerable morbidity and mortality. According to an estimate of World Health Organization (WHO) (World health organization, 2021) approximately 5 million people are bitten by several species of snakes resulting in up to 2.5 million envenomation cases annually. The mainstay of treatment for envenomation is intravenous administration of anti-snake venom. Although antivenom neutralizes the systemic effects but it does not relieve the symptoms such as venom-induced hemorrhage, necrosis and nephrotoxicity. Moreover, the use of antivenoms is associated with hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, anaphylaxis, or serum sickness due to their heterologous property. Furthermore, stringent storage conditions and narrow specificity of antivenoms limit their use in both developed as well as developing countries. In this context, researchers have been searching for natural products and plant extracts to explore their antivenom activity along with anti-myotoxic, anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory properties. Plant remedies may prove to be an effective alternate for antivenom sera with less adverse events and better tolerability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of medicinal plants possessing anti-snake venom activities against certain species of snakes. The current review highlights the investigated plants with their phytochemical analysis to integrate the available information for future research and development of antivenom sera.

Snakebites notified to the poison control center of Morocco between 2009 and 2013

Snakebites cause considerable death and injury throughout the globe, particularly in tropical regions, and pose an important yet neglected threat to public health. In 2008, the Centre Anti Poison et de Parmacovigilance du Maroc (CAPM) started to set up a specific strategy for the control of snakebites that was formalized in 2012. The aim of the present study is to describe and update the epidemiological characteristics of snakebites notified to CAPM between 2009 and 2013. Methods This retrospective five-year study included all cases of snakebites notified to CAPM by mail or phone. Results During the study period, 873 snakebite cases were reported to CAPM, an average incidence of 2.65 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 218 cases each year. The highest incidence was found in Tangier-Tetouan region with 357 cases (40.9 %) followed by Souss Massa Draa region with 128 cases (14.6 %). The average age of patients was 26.8 ± 17.2 years. The male to female sex ratio was 1.67:1 and 77 % of cases occurred in rural areas. The bites occurred mainly in spring (44 %) followed by summer (42 %). Snake species was identified in 54 cases (6.2 %): colubrids represented 31 % (n = 18) and vipers 67 % (n = 36), mainly Daboia mauritanica, Bitis arietans and Cerastes cerastes. In 311 cases (35.6 %), the patients showed viper syndrome. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 23.5 % of viper syndrome cases, whereas, compartment syndrome was observed in 7.6 % patients. FAV-Afrique® was administered in 41 patients (5 %). In patients treated with antivenom, 38 patients recovered and three died. Twenty-seven deaths were reported (3.9 %). Conclusion Despite specific efforts to better understand the epidemiology of snakebites in Morocco (incidence, severity, snake species involved), it remains underestimated. Therefore, further work is still necessary to ensure accessibility of appropriate antivenom against venomous species and to improve the management of envenomation in Morocco.

Perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos no Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, 2005 a 2010 / Epidemiological profile of snake bites in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, 2005 to 2010

OBJETIVO: caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, no período 2005-2010. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal descritivo sobre dados obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde. RESULTADOS: foram notificados 3.033 casos no período, com média de 505,5 casos/ano; a incidência anual do período foi de 13,7 casos/100 mil habitantes; a maior frequência de casos foi no sexo masculino (76,0 por cento); a faixa etária que apresentou maior risco foi a dos 60-64 anos (18,9 casos/100 mil hab.); a maioria dos casos ocorreu entre maio e agosto (43,1 por cento), em grande parte causados pelo gênero Bothrops (jararaca) (83,0 por cento); 122 (4,0 por cento) foram classificados como casos graves e 18 (0,6 por cento) evoluíram para óbito. CONCLUSÃO: os meses de maior índice pluviométrico (maio a agosto) foram os que apresentaram maior número de casos; a evolução para cura foi o desfecho mais comum; os acidentes de grau leve predominaram.

OBJECTIVE: to characterize clinical and epidemiological profile of snakebites in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, in the period 2005-2010. METHODS: a cross-sectional descriptive study based on data obtained in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, of the State Health Secretariat. RESULTS: 3,033 cases were reported in the period, with an average of 505.5 cases/year; the annual incidence of the period was 13.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; the higher frequency of cases was in male gender (76.0 per cent); the age group with highest risk was 60-64 years (18.9 cases per 100,000 inhab.); most cases occurred between May and August (43.1 per cent) and the genus Bothrops (pit viper) caused most of these (83.0 per cent); 122 were classified as severe cases (4.0 per cent) and 18 (0.6 per cent) died. CONCLUSION: months of greatest rainfall (May to August) presented highest number of cases; cure was the most common outcome; accidents of mild degree predominated.

Perfil dos acidentes ofídicos no norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Profile of snakebite accidents in the north of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos da macrorregião de saúde do Norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram analisadas informações sobre os acidentes ofídicos relativos ao período compreendido entre janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2006, por meio de bancos de dados. Os resultados demonstraram 10.553 casos notificados, com ênfase para a maior casuística em meses de tempo quente e chuvoso, em áreas urbanas (54,1 por cento), faixa etária menor de 20 anos (39,7 por cento), acometendo mais homens e estudantes (53,1 por cento e 29,1 por cento) respectivamente. Os membros inferiores (pé, dedo do pé, perna e coxa) foram os locais mais afetados (35,9 por cento), as serpentes prevalentes foram do gênero Bothrops (82,9 por cento) e a gravidade da maioria dos acidentes foi leve (66,2 por cento). Observou-se nesse estudo um importante impacto da sazonalidade, urbanização, subnotificação das espécies envolvidas nesses acidentes e busca rápida pelo pronto atendimento. Espera-se que os dados inéditos da casuística obtida possam servir de substrato para o planejamento e execução de medidas voltadas para vigilância em saúde e atendimento.

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of snakebite accidents in the healthcare macroregion of the north of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Database information on snakebite accidents covering the period from January 2002 to December 2006 was analyzed. It was found that 10,553 cases were notified, and that the samples were noticeably larger in the months of hot and rainy weather, in urban areas (54.1 percent), at ages less then 20 years (39.7 percent) and among men and students (53.1 percent and 29.1 percent) respectively. The lower limbs (feet, toes, legs and thighs) were the locations most affected (35.9 percent). The most prevalent snakes were in the genus Bothrops (82.9 percent) and most of the accidents were mild (66.2 percent). In this study, it was seen that the seasonality, urbanization and undernotification of the species involved in these accidents had a notable impact, along with seeking walk-in care. It is expected that the new data obtained from this sample may serve as the substrate for planning and implementing measures for healthcare surveillance.

Perfil epidemiológico de acidentes ofídicos do Estado do Amapá / Epidemiological profile of snake poisoning accidents in the State of Amapá

O presente trabalho apresenta o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos notificados junto à Secretaria do Estado de Saúde do Estado do Amapá. Para isso, foram analisadas 909 fichas durante o período de 2003 a 2006. A maior freqüência de picadas foi no ano de 2004 com registro de 255 casos, seguido pelo ano de 2006 com 246 casos. Os números mais expressivos de pacientes encontram-se nas faixas etárias compreendidas entre 20 e 34 anos (30 por cento). Os gêneros Bothrops e Crotalus foram responsáveis por 67,5 por cento e 0,7 por cento dos acidentes, respectivamente. Serpentes consideradas não peçonhentas causaram 0,2 por cento dos acidentes e em 31,2 por cento dos casos não foi possível a identificação da espécie. Indivíduos do sexo masculino (80,6 por cento) foram os mais atingidos. A maior incidência de picadas foi nos membros inferiores (68 por cento). Os acidentes ocorreram, em sua maioria, na área rural (62,7 por cento), em circunstâncias equilibradas de trabalho (60 por cento) e lazer (15,6 por cento). O tempo decorrido entre a picada e o atendimento ao paciente foi de 12 horas (29 por cento). Dos acidentes ofídicos, 263 foram classificados como leves, 193 graves e 187 moderados.

This study presents the epidemiological profile of snake poisoning accidents notified to the Health Department of the State of Amapá. For this, 909 records over the period from 2003 to 2006 were analyzed. The greatest frequency of bites was in the year 2004, with 255 cases recorded, followed by the year 2006 with 246 cases. The largest numbers of patients were in the age range between 20 and 34 years (30 percent). The genera Bothrops and Crotalus accounted for 67.5 percent and 0.7 percent of the accidents, respectively. Snakes that are considered non-venomous caused 0.2 percent of the accidents, and it was not possible to identify the species in 31.2 percent of the cases. Male individuals were more affected (80.6 percent). The highest incidence of bites was on the lower limbs (68 percent). The accidents mostly occurred in rural areas (62.7 percent), during balanced work circumstances (60 percent) or leisure activities (15.6 percent). The time elapsed from the bite to attending the patient was 12 hours (29 percent). Among the snake poisoning accidents, 263 were classified as mild, 187 as moderate and 193 as serious.

Prevalence of snake bites in Kangar District Hospital, Perlis, west Malaysia: a retrospective study (January 1999-December 2000).

The records of 284 snake bite cases presenting to the Kangar District Hospital, Perlis, west Malaysia, from January 1999 till December 2000 were carefully reviewed. Data on prevalence and types of snake bites, were recorded. The majority of the cases were among Malays (60.2%), followed by Chinese (16.9%), Indians (13%), and others which include Thai nationals, army personnel from Sabah and Sarawak, and foreign tourists (9.8%). A higher incidence was found in males (60.2%) and most cases were seen in the age group of 10-19 years (33%). Snake bites were more common between 2 PM and 9 PM (47.6%) and from 7 AM to 2 PM (33.4%). The snakes were positively identified in 68 cases, of which 50 were common cobras (Naja naja) (73%), 16 were Malayan pit vipers (Agkistrodon rhodostoma) (24%) and two were sea-snakes (3%).

Rational use of anti-snake venom (ASV): trial of various regimens in hemotoxic snake envenomation.

BACKGROUND: Viperine snake bites cause hemotoxicity in the form of coagulation dysfunction. Optimal dose requirement of anti-snake venom (ASV) and duration of therapy in such situation have not yet been fully explored. Our aim in this study was to compare two low-dose continuous infusion regimes with the standard high dose intermittent bolus regime in treating systemic envenomation and preventing its recurrence. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 90 adult patients with snake bite with hemotoxicity. Patents were allocated into three treatment regimes, each regime being tried on 30 patients. Regimen I (standard high dose regimen) consisted of conventional, intermittent bolus dosage of 100 ml of ASV as a loading dose followed by 50 ml every six hours till whole blood coagulation time (CT) became normal. Regimen II consisted of 30 ml of ASV as a loading dose followed by 30 ml continuous infusion every six hours till two CTs at an interval of six hours were normal and a further dose of 30ml over 24 hours. Regimen III was similar to Regimen II in all aspects except that loading dose was 70 ml (instead of 30 ml). RESULTS: In patients with mild envenomation, even though the average requirement of ASV was only marginally lower in Regimen II (128.6 ml) as compared to in Regimen I (137.5 ml), one patient on Regimen I had relapse of coagulation dysfunction. In patients with moderate envenomation, average requirement of ASV was 221.3 ml and 179 ml in Regimens II and III respectively, which was much less than in Regimen I (343.8 ml) (p values 0.05 and 0.01 respectively). Further, no patient receiving Regimen III had relapse of coagulation dysfunction. In severe envenomation, average dose of ASV required was almost similar in Regimens II and III, i.e., 213.7 ml and 233.7 ml respectively, as compared to 433.3 ml required in Regimen I (p values 0.02 and 0.001 respectively). However, time lapse for CT normalization was only 18 hours in Regimen III as compared to 23.6 hours and 24 hours in Regimens I and II respectively. CONCLUSION: Regimens consisting of continuous intravenous infusion of ASV i.e., Regimen II in mild envenomation and Regimen III in moderate and severe envenomation are likely to make significant saving of ASV and reduction of recurrence of coagulation dysfunction.

High-dose anti-snake venom versus low-dose anti-snake venom in the treatment of poisonous snake bites--a critical study.

OBJECTIVES: To asses the optimum dose of anti-snake venom to treat snake bites cases effectively. This is particulary relevant in the present scenario when the cost of anti-snake venom ( Serum Institute of India) has gone up to nearly Rs. 400 per vial and the cross-section of people usually affected belong to the poor socioeconomic class. METHODOLOGY: One hundred snake bite cases with envenomation, irrespective of whether they were bitten by viper, cobra or krait, brought within 24 hours of the bite to Jubilee Mission Hospital, Trichur, Kerala State during the 15 months from August 2001 to October 2002 were randomized into two groups of 50 cases each, irrespective of the severity of the cases. One group received a fixed dose regime of six vials of anti-snake venom and the other 12 vials of the same. RESULTS: In the low-dose group there were five deaths giving a mortality rate of 10%, nine (18%) required dialysis and three (6%) required ventilatory support. In the high-dose group there were seven deaths giving a mortality rate of 14%, 13 (26%) required dialysis and three (6%) required ventilatory support. The average hospital stay for the low-dose group was 8.42 days while that of the high-dose group was 9.02 days. CONCLUSION: While there was no additional advantage in following a high-dose regime for snake bite cases, there was considerable financial gain by following the low-dose regime, Most of the parameters showed a beneficial trend for the low-dose group though the differences were not statistically significant.

Venomous snakebites in children and adolescents: a 12 year retrospective review

Snakebite envenomation is a worldwide problem and in Costa Rica. The following is a retrospective review of 79 patients admitted to the Hospital Nacional de Ninos (HNN) from January 1985 to September 1996. Child's age ranged from 9 months to 14 years. The M: F ratio was 1.5:1. Sixty percent of the patients lived in remote rural areas. The most common clinical signs at the time of hospitalization were pain and edema. Fifty patients (63.29 per cent) showed moderate to severe envenomation grades. Fifty-one (64,55 per cent) was caused by Bothrops asper. Complications during hospitalization were compartment syndrome and secondary infection. Three children died, one from disseminated intravascular coagulation, another from renal insufficiency, and the third from a perforated duodenal ulcer. Patients who underwent early fasciotomy had signficantly less hospitalization and fewer infectious complications, (p<0.001). There was no relationship between the envenomation grade and length of hospitalization (p=0.4). The most common pathogen isolated was S. aureus. Early fasciotomy seemed to reduce the complications seen in these patients. Further studies are necessary to identify the factors that may clinicians to decide those who should undergo fasciotomy, as well as the best moment to perform it

Manejo de las mordeduras de serpientes venenosas en pacientes atendidos en el servicio, de medicina interna en el Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales, durante el período de enero 1997-noviembre 1999

En el presente estudio se encontro que el grupo de edad más afectado con mordeduras de serpientes correspondió de 12 a 20 años lo cual coincide con estudios internacionales, donde se reporta que las edades mas afectadas por accidente ofídico es la comprendida entre 10 y 19 años lo cual esta en correspondencia a la actividad laboral ya que la gran mayoría se dedica a la agricultura y pertenece al área rural y es campesino. Con respecto a los tipos de serpientes, la más frecuente que ocasionó accidentes ofídico fue serpiente cascabel con un 41.7 porciento, seguido de serpientes desconocidas en un 38.9 porcientos, sólo se presentó un caso de mordedura de coral. Podemos observar que en relación al tiempo transcurrido entre la mordedura de serpiente y la atención hospitalaria fue en promedio de 8 horas con una desviación estándar de 9.1 horas. Se presentaron los resultados clínicos de la familia de serpientes viperidae, en donde se observa que los datos de laboratorio hubo una prolongación en tiempo de protombina siendo en promedio de 15.4 +- 10.3 segundos. Un 44 porciento de los accidentes correspondió a persona que deambulaban y un 43.1 porciento durante el trabajo en el campo. El área anatómica más frecuente afectada correspondió a miembro inferior izquierdo en un 38.9 porciento. Del total de pacientes 89 porciento recibieron suero antiofídico polivante, 96 porciento tratamiento con penicilina cristalina, en un 14 porciento gentamicina y se utilizó un tercer antibiótico en un 8.3 porciento de los pacientes. Recibieron terapia analgésica con diclofenac sódico en un 8.3 porciento. Se indicó el uso de hidrocortisona en 18.1 porciento de los pacientes y en un 7 porciento de dichos pacientes no se aplicó toxoide cuando estaba indicada. El 62.5 porciento de los pacientes recibió hidroterapia y se aplicó inmunoglobulina antitetánica humana en un 82 porciento. Hubo complicaciones hemorrágicas y se reportó un caso de amputación

Ofidiotoxicosis en Pediatría

El accidente por mordedura de serpientes venenosas es una emergencia que puede presentarse en las zonas tropicales de Colombia por la gran cantidad de especies existentes. Se hace una revisión de la clasificaión, actividad de sus venenos, fisiopatología y clínica de las serpientes venenosas conocidas en Colombia. Existen tres grande familias: Viperidae, Micruridae e Hidrophidae. En la primera familia hay tres géneros, Bothrops, Crotalus y Lachesis. El accidente más frecuente se produce por Bothrops. La familia Micruridae tiene 29 especies distribuídas por todo el territorio colonmbiabo, pero gracias a su poca agresividad no ocurren accidentes con frecuencia. Las serpientes marinas corresponden a la familia Hidrophidae y, solo se encuentran en aguas marinas del litoral pacífico. Se propone un protocolo de manejo orientado a la atención de niños afectados

Las serpientes del genero bothrops en la amazonia colombiana: aspectos biomedicos (epidemiologia, clinica y biologia del ofidismo) / Snakes of bothrops genus in colombian amazonia: biomedical aspects (epidemiology, clinics and snakes biology)

Durante el periodo 1982- 1987 se estudiaron y trataron 279 casos humanos de mordeduras por diferentes especies de serpientes de los generos Bothrops, Micrucus (corales) y por colubridos de los grupos opistoglifodontes. Estas ultimas corresponden a los ofidios que poseen un par de dientes inyectores del veneno, situado a cada lado de la maxila y hacia el extremo posterior de esta. Mediante el examen clinico y de laboratorio se comprobo en 265 casos (94%) que la mordedura fue causada por una especie del genero Bothrops; tres accidentes fueron provocados por micrurus (1.7%) cinco casos por colubridos opistoglofodontes (1.8%) y seis mordeduras determinadas por colubridos del grupo aglifodontes (serpientes no venenosas). Los ofidios que causaron los accidentes fueron identificados mediante el examen directo de la serpiente agresora en 30% de los casos y en el 70% restante se reconocio la especie responsable correlacionando los hallazgos semiologicos clinicos y de laboratorio con las caracteristicas morfologicas del ofidio suministradas por los pacientes. Los resultados obtenidos mediante la investigacion realizada muestran en 94% de los pacientes los signos y sintomas de un accidente bothropico. Estas conclusiones coinciden con las observaciones medicas publicadas para otras regiones de Colombia y en otros paises de Sur America. Dentro del genero bothrops la especie B. atrox causo el 95% de los accidentes humanos registrados en el periodo de estudio. Consideramos, por los resultados senalados, que el B. atrox en la Amazonia colombiana es la especie mas importante...

Guía par la prevención de las mordeduras de serpientes / It guides even the prevention of the bites of snakes

Presenta la primera guía para la prevención de las mordeduras de serpientes. En esta publicación se puede encontrar información básica sobre las serpientes más comunes en la zona de Río San Juan, asimismo de cómo evitar ser mordido, a quién recurrir en caso de mordeduras y primero auxilios. Es un documento que facilita el conocimiento a los líderes comunitarios en la toma de conciencia sobre las mordeduras de serpientes y los problemas de salud por que ha cobra 10 vidas en los últimos 3 años y que, según los registros, ha dejado mas de 100 casos de lesionados en todo el Departamento de Río San Juan