@article{ref1,
title="AAPCC database characterization of native U.S. venomous snake exposures, 2001-2005",
journal="Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)",
year="2009",
author="Seifert, Steven A. and Boyer, Leslie V. and Benson, Blaine E. and Rogers, Jody J.",
volume="47",
number="4",
pages="327-335",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Differences in victim demographics, clinical effects, managements, and outcomes among native viperid (rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth) and elapid (coral snake) species have not been systematically characterized. METHODS: The database of the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 2001 through 2005 was analyzed. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2005, there were 23,676 human exposures (average = 4,735/year) to native venomous snakes in the United States reported to U.S. poison centers in all states except Hawaii: 98% were to viperid snakes and 2% to elapids. Overall, 77% of victims were male, 70% were adults >20 years, and 12% were aged less than 10 years. Sixty-five cases involved pregnant women, with rattlesnake bites resulting in moderate or greater effects in over 70%. The overall hospital admission rate was 53%. Outcomes were generally more severe with rattlesnake and copperhead envenomations and in children <6 years of age. The fatality rate of reported cases was 0.06%. CONCLUSIONS: Native U.S. venomous snakebite results in considerable morbidity and mortality. Rattlesnake and copperhead envenomations, and those in children <6 years of age, produce the most severe outcomes, but coral snakebites result in similar hospital admission rates.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1556-3650",
doi="10.1080/15563650902870277",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15563650902870277"
}