A Seven-year Epidemiological Study of Snakebite Cases Among Children and Adolescents in South Khorasan, Eastern Iran

Background: This study aims to examine the demographics, risk factors, interventions, and outcomes of pediatric snakebite victims in South Khorasan, Iran. It provides crucial insights for healthcare workers and policymakers. The results can guide future interventions and policies to address this significant public health issue.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed all children and adolescents with snakebite complaints from 2015 to 2022. Data on age, gender, bite location, clinical and laboratory symptoms, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.Results: The prevalence of snakebite was 1.55 per 100 000, with 34 cases. The average age was 9.38±3.91 years. Most patients were men and from rural areas. Snakebites mostly occurred at night, in spring and summer, and involved the lower extremities. Pain was the most common symptom. Coagulation disorder was the most prevalent laboratory finding (76.5%). Antivenom was given to 91.2% of patients. No deaths were reported. One case was compartment syndrome and three cases were gangrene (8.8%). Hospital stay duration showed no significant differences based on gender, residence, season, time to hospital, age group, or treatment type (P>0.05).Conclusion: Despite the low prevalence, snakebites are a significant health issue for children in South Khorasan, especially in rural areas. The high frequency of coagulopathy underscores the urgent need for early antivenom administration and close monitoring. Providing information about local snake species to health clinics can aid patient management, but swift and effective treatment is the key to reducing the impact of snakebites. These results should serve as a call to action for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to prioritize early intervention in snakebite cases.