TAVARES, Aluska Vieira.
Abstract:
The snakebite is a neglected public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. This study is a transversal investigation of the epidemiological characteristics of snakebites in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2014. Data was collected from the Injury Notification Information System database of the Health Department of Rio Grande do Norte. A total of 3,019 cases were analyzed. Snakebite cases were reported in 163 municipalities in the state, with the highest incidence in small municipalities in the central region. Snakebites occurred in every month of the year investigated, more frequently between March and August. Most cases involved men aged 20 to 59 years, workers and rural residents with low education level and mulattos. The cases occurred more frequently in rural areas. There was a predominance of envenoming involving Bothrops snakes. The bites mainly reached the extremity of the limbs. Most of the victims received medical assistance between 1 and 3 hours after the accident. The cases were mainly classified as mild and progressed to cure. 13 deaths have been reported. Most of the victims made the blood-clotting time test and made use of antivenom. The main local reactions were pain and swelling. The main systemic reactions were vagal and neuroparalytic. The most frequent local complications were infection secondary and functional deficit. As for systemic complications showed especially renal insufficiency and generalized edema. The epidemiological profile of snakebites in Rio Grande do Norte is similar to those observed in other states of the Brazilian Northeast. Snakebite may be considered as a public health problem in the state, due to the high frequency and high spatial distribution of the cases. This reveals the need to develop regional public policies aimed at preventive control of such injury, as well as medical care enhancement of the victims.
