Rattlesnake Envenomation Demographic and Situational Statistics: a Retrospective Database Analysis 2002-2014

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess trends in the anatomical bite location, circumstances, and legitimacy of rattlesnake envenomations managed by the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) between the years of 2002 to 2014. Methods: The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective database analysis in which deidentified patient case information was extracted from the APDIC electronic medical record database. Descriptive and demographic variables collected included: age, gender, anatomical bite location, circumstance, and alcohol involvement. Variables were analyzed by student researchers to determine the legitimacy. Researchers compared demographic variables by year and month to assess for trends. Results: A total of 1,738 rattlesnake envenomations were analyzed for the 13 year study period. The number of cases per year varied, but not significantly, p=0.069. A statistically significant (p<0.005) upward trend in average age occurred. No significant difference in cases involving females was found between study years (p=0.171). Alcohol involvement was not statistically significant, p=0.46. An upward trend (p<0.005) in legitimate rattlesnake envenomations was demonstrated. Conclusions: Envenomations from 2002 to 2014, showed an upward trend in age, but similar distribution of gender. An increasing number of envenomations were determined to be legitimate, possibly related to the increasing number occurring to the foot/ankle, as well as the increasing number related to gardening and walking outside/taking out the trash. This trend may also be due to the lack of adequate data related to alcohol involvement.