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Epidemiological profile of patients with poisoning by snakes at the hospital josé maría velasco ibarra, ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Ophidism is a frequent clinical entity in Ecua-dor, therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with poisoning by ophidians at the Hospital José Maria Velasco Ibarra, Ecuador. Materials and methods: A retrospective and descriptive observational study was carried out in which 27 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of ophidian poisoning to the emergency service of the aforementioned hospital during the period between March and August 2020. We used the clinical data of the his-tories found in the medical records department. Results: Of the 27 patients evaluated, 55.6% (n=15) were male, the percentage was higher in subjects >30 years old (59.3%; n=16), of indigenous ethnicity (77.8%; n=21), and farmer occupation (48.1%; n=13). The most frequent location of the wound was the foot (51.8%; n=14), followed by the hand (37%; n=10). Only 11.1% (n=3) had a history of diabetes mellitus, 59.3% (n=15) were hospitalized for 5 days or less, and the major-ity used 8 vials of antivenom serum. Conclusion: Ophidic poisoning is an important cause of morbidity in our region, being the most exposed population those who engaged in agricultural activities, over 30 years old, and male.