TY - JOUR PY - 2004// TI - Snakebites in children in the densely populated city of Hong Kong: a 10-year survey JO - Acta paediatrica A1 - Hon, K. L. A1 - Kwok, L. W. A1 - Leung, T. F. SP - 270 EP - 272 VL - 93 IS - 2 N2 - AIM: To review the pattern and characteristics of snakebites in children in rural Hong Kong. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted. RESULTS: Seven cases of snakebite in children were reported. Eighty-six percent of the victims were male, and the majority of bites (86%) occurred on the left extremities. Green pit vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris) accounted for most of the snakebites. Local symptomatology was common. Swelling, pain and fang marks were documented in all cases. A mildly deranged clotting profile was found in 70% of patients. There was no incidence of systemic symptoms, cardiopulmonary complications or compartment syndrome. Victims arrived at the hospital at a median (range) time of 40 (10-70) min since the snakebite. Only one child received antivenin owing to severe progressive local symptoms under intensive care monitoring. The median hospital stay of the patients was 4 d. The hands and feet of adolescent boys (n = 6) seem to be particularly prone to being bitten. CONCLUSION: Children should be discouraged to play in areas where snakes may hide, especially in the evening in summer to autumn. They should wear protective footwear.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0803-5253 UR - http://dx.doi.org/ ID - ref1 ER -