Study of 65 Patients with Habu Bites in Kumejima, Okinawa Prefecture - Special Reference to the Related Symptoms, Dry Anti-habu Equine Toxin, First-aid Measures and Prognosis

Abstract

Introduction: The effectiveness of first-aid measures (binding, incision and aspiration) for patients with habu bites and the indications of dry habu equine antitoxin for patients with habu bites are unclear. We investigated the relationships between first-aid measures and prognosis, and between symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding) and antitoxin administration. Methods: We evaluated responses to a questionnaire submitted by 65 patients with habu bites. Patients who fully recovered were defined as "good", and those who had functional disorders, with or without rehabilitation, were defined as "bad." Fisher's exact test was used for analysis. Results: Pain was significantly related to antitoxin administration; however, swelling and bleeding were not related to antitoxin administration. First-aid measures and local symptoms were not related to prognosis. Conclusion: Our results revealed that many doctors determine the need for antitoxin administration according to pain. Moreover, our results suggested that the need for first-aid measures for patients is minimal. However, to clarify the indications for antitoxin administration and the effectiveness of first-aid measures for patients, further studies are warranted.