Evaluation of management of snake bites in a teaching hospital in Northern Ghana- a retrospective descriptive study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Snakebite is a public health problem afflicting mainly rural farmers. We seek to examine the profile and management of snakebite cases presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana over a 30-month period. METHODS One hundred and ninety-two cases of snakebites presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital over a 30-month period from January 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Information about the clinical manifestation of the snakebites, treatment instituted as well as the outcome was extracted from patient folders for the analysis. RESULTS Out of the 192 cases of snakebite, 131 (68.2%) occurred in males. The mean age of the victims was 26.5 years. The major patterns of envenomation were coagulopathy (84.9%) and local swelling/pain (82.8%). The causative snake species was identified in only 11.5% of cases, all of which were vipers. Antivenom was administered in 94.8% of the victims and the average amount administered was 84.64 milliliters (approximately 8 vials). Reaction to antivenoms was observed in 13.5% of cases, comprising mostly minor reactions. Antibiotics were utilized in 99.5% of cases with more than half receiving more than one type of antibiotic. Steroids use was common (62%) whilst 22.9% received antifibrinolytics despite the absence of evidence supporting their use in snakebite. CONCLUSION Snakebite is an occupational health hazard of mainly rural farmers. The unwarranted use of non-beneficial medications is still rife. In addition to ensuring the continuous availability of effective antivenoms, there is the need for the development and adherence to protocols that take into consideration the prevailing local conditions. AUTHOR SUMMARY Snakebite affects mainly rural farmers and is a disease of poverty. Unreliable epidemiological data in developing countries like Ghana makes ascertaining the true extent of snakebite difficult. We have examined the presentation and clinical management of snakebite cases presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana which serves a mainly rural population. The Carpet Viper, which produces a syndrome of local swelling and bleeding, is implicated in most snakebites in this region. A variety of non-evidenced-based interventions are employed by medical personnel in managing snakebite victims underscoring the need to have written contextually appropriate protocols for snakebite management. Public education is also needed to minimize the delays in seeking healthcare following a snakebite whilst efforts at ensuring the continuous availability of effective antivenoms must be intensified.