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Accidents

Renal Complications and Snakebite Accidents Caused by Vipers of the Bothrops Genus

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, have conducted a systematic review to better understand the relationship between snakebites and renal complications. The study, which was published in the Iatreia journal, aimed to compile existing literature on acute kidney injury in patients with Bothrops snakebite envenomation. The researchers found that the frequency of acute kidney injury in patients with Bothrops snakebite envenomation ranged from 0.6% to 12.8%. The study also identified advanced age, hemorrhagic manifestations, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels as potentially associated factors with renal complications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The frequency of acute kidney injury in patients with Bothrops snakebite envenomation ranged from 0.6% to 12.8%.
  • The study found that envenomation severity and infection are not directly associated with an increased risk of renal complications.
  • Advanced age, hemorrhagic manifestations, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were identified as potentially associated factors with renal complications.
  • The study concluded that a systematic review of existing literature is necessary to better understand the relationship between snakebites and renal complications.
  • The researchers used 12 search strategies across five databases to ensure thoroughness, reproducibility, and methodological quality.
  • The study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms underlying renal complications in snakebite envenomation.

Statistics:

  • 8-43% of envenomed patients in Brazil experience acute kidney injury (AKI).
  • 15% of envenomed patients in Brazil require renal replacement therapy.
  • Mortality rates for AKI in envenomed patients range from 8-39% in Brazil.
  • 38.5% of patients in a Medellín study experienced AKI with significant clinical impact.
  • The incidence of AKI in Colombia remains undetermined.

Sources:

  • "Renal Complications and Snakebite Accidents Caused by Vipers of the Bothrops Genus: A Systematic Review" by Ingrid Tatiana Castano Hernandez et al.
  • Iatreia, 2025,38(4):688-700.
  • Universidad de Antioquia.

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