Outcome of snakebites in Al Baha district.

Eighty-two patients with snakebites were seen at King Fahad Hospital (KFH) in Al Baha during the period from 1983G to 1989G and were retrospectively reviewed. Most common symptoms were pain (80.5%) and swelling (77%). Hemostatic abnormalities were found in 36 patients (44%) and were usually present on admission but may be delayed up to 20 hours after snakebite. All of these patients had local swellings, 17 had low hemoglobin and 29 had leukocytosis, suggesting systemic envenomation. Five patients had local skin necrosis, and three had to have fasciotomy for compartment syndrome. All patients, except one death, responded to treatment (antivenin, plasma products, or both). These data emphasize that hemostatic abnormality is the major complication of snakebite in the Al Baha District of Saudi Arabia.