TITLE:
Epidemiological Aspects and Management of Ophidien Envenimation in Libreville
AUTHORS:
Raphaël Okoue Ondo, Ghislain Edjo Nkilly, Stephane Oliveira, Pascal Nze Obiang, Fabrice Ragome Guissou, Sarah DOndyas Orema, Wilfried Mouiry Bivigou, Ulysse Mayegue Anani, Joel Obiang Hevezogo, Jean-Marcel Mandji Lawson, Romain Tchoua
KEYWORDS:
Antivenom, Envenomation, Snakes, Gabon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Emergency Medicine,
Vol.13 No.2,
June
6,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: In 2017, WHO reintegrated snake bites into neglected tropical diseases. Our objective was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of ophidian envenomations treated in Libreville from 01/01/2012 to 03/31/2019. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive multicenter study over 7 years (2012-2018) and prospective (1st quarter 2019) about 23 cases. All patients received for ophidian envenomation with key information for our study were included. Ethical considerations were respected. Results: We conducted our study on 23 cases of ophidian envenomation. The median age was 26 years. There was a slight male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.09. Bites were mainly nocturnal 34.78% of cases. The lower limb was most affected 73.91% of cases. Local syndrome was the most common clinical sign. Viperine syndrome accounted for 95.65% of cases. Biological tests were not often requested. Those who had coagulopathy were 26.09% of cases. 01 patient had an ECG. 01 patient died. Out of 23 envenomations, 19 had antivenom. Conclusion: The establishment of therapeutic protocols and the accessibility to antivenom will contribute to improving the hospital management of these pathologies.