Terrestrial Snakebites in the South East of the Arabian Peninsula: Patient Characteristics, Clinical Presentations, and Management
2011

Snakebites in the Arabian Gulf: Patient Characteristics and Management

Sample size: 64 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alkaabi Juma M., Al Neyadi Mariam, Al Darei Fakhra, Al Mazrooei Mariam, Al Yazedi Jawaher, Abdulle Abdishakur M.

Primary Institution: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University

Hypothesis

To describe the characteristics, clinical presentations, management and complications of snakebites in the border region between Al-Ain, UAE and Buraimi, Oman.

Conclusion

The majority of snakebites occurred among young male farmers during summer months, with no serious clinical complications.

Supporting Evidence

  • 64 snakebite cases were studied over four years.
  • 87.5% of the cases were male, primarily young farmers.
  • Most bites occurred during summer months, particularly in the morning and afternoon.
  • No deaths were reported, and most patients had a benign course with complete recovery.

Takeaway

This study looked at snakebites in a specific area and found that most victims were young men who got bitten while farming, but they usually recovered without serious issues.

Methodology

A retrospective review of medical records over four years at three tertiary hospitals.

Potential Biases

Potential underestimation of snakebite incidents due to patients not seeking treatment at the study hospitals.

Limitations

The retrospective nature may limit the precision of data collected, and results may not be generalizable beyond the studied region.

Participant Demographics

87.5% male, mean age 30.9 years, primarily young farmers.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.6

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024637

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