TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2012//
TI  - Demographics and management of dog bite victims at a level two hospital in KwaZulu-Natal
JO  - South African medical journal SAMJ
A1  - Kent, Samuel J. W.
A1  - Naicker, Bavani
A1  - Wood, Darryl R.
SP  - 845
EP  - 847
VL  - 102
IS  - 11 Pt 1
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Dog bites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly where rabies is endemic. There is also a significant financial burden attached to prophylactic treatment to diminish the risk of rabies infection. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has a high incidence of human rabies yet little is known about the demographics of dog bites in the province. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: To analyse the demographics of dog bites in Northern KZN. <br><br>METHODS: Records of all dog bites presenting to the main referral hospital in Northern KZN between August 2007 and September 2011 were analysed. <br><br>RESULTS: We collected data for 821 instances of dog bite. Male children aged 6 - 10 years are most likely to present with dog bites, while women >40 years are more likely to present than men in the same age bracket. Whilst initial vaccine administration is high (98%) with all grades of bite, only 82% of grade 3 bites receive immunoglobulin. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results correlate well with two large studies of the demographics of dog bites, but are the first to show a reverse in male preponderance of presentations above the age of 40 years. Reasons for low rates of immunoglobulin administration in grade 3 bites are discussed. Finally, methods are suggested to improve data collection and the care of patients presenting with dog bites.<p />  <p>Keywords: Animal Bites; Dog Bites<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0038-2469
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -