Snakebite management: Experiences from Gulu Regional Hospital Uganda

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to document our experience with supportive therapy without antivenom in snakebite management.

Methods: In a prospective study undertaken at Gulu Regional Hospital, Northern Uganda from January to December 2002 the outcome of supportive therapy in management of 108 cases of snakebite was assessed.

Results: The lower extremity was involved in 106 patients (98.1%) and the upper extremity in the remaining two cases. Sixty-two patients (57.4 %) did not get any First Aid prior to admission. All Patients received supportive therapy. None of the patients received snake antivenom since it was unavailable at the hospital. All the 108 patients (100 %) improved and were discharged. The duration of hospital stay was 2 to 17 days with a mean of 3.8 days.

Conclusion: Supportive therapy is simple, safe and effective treatment for snakebite without serious systemic poisoning.