Retrospective analysis of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Chinese cobra bites in a South China emergency department

Abstract

In China, it is estimated that over 100,000 snakebite incidents occur each year, significantly endangering human life. This study retrospectively analyzed the treatment data of Chinese cobra bite patients in a Chinese hospital from 2010 to July 2017. It was found that local necrosis typically occurs after a Chinese cobra bite, and effective treatment involves removal of the necrotic tissue and facilitating wound healing with anti-infection measures. The extent of local damage after the bite was correlated with creatine kinase levels. In addition, early administration of Chinese cobra antivenom was beneficial as it alleviated local necrosis and reduced the likelihood of adverse complications. However, under the current treatment protocols, the use or nonuse of Chinese cobra antivenom does not significantly impact survival outcomes.