Epidemiology of paediatric snakebites in Northeastern Nigeria: a retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND

Nigeria remains one of the highest burden bearers of snakebite envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa. In Northeastern Nigeria, where agricultural practice, livestock herding and outdoor play—especially during the dark hours—are common, children are frequently exposed to snakes. Due to the unique challenges posed by paediatric snakebite envenoming and the paucity of data on paediatric snakebites, there is need for local research on this subject. The study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the characteristics and outcomes of paediatric snakebites in our setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted at the Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital (SBTRH) in Kaltungo, Northeastern Nigeria. Medical records of 723 patients aged 0 to 17 years treated at this facility between 1 January to 31 December 2024 were retrieved. Socio-demographic information and key clinical data were extracted from paper-based records and recorded in a Microsoft Excel document. The association between patient characteristics and likelihood of recovery without complications like amputation, debridement or death, was assessed using univariate and multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

There were 480 male patients (66%) and the median age of patients was 12 (range 1 to 17). Within the study period, snakebites in children were most common in April ( = 102, 14%). Nearly two-thirds of the participants ( = 468, 65%) took four hours or more to present to hospital after being bitten. Indeed, patients who took four hours or more to arrive to hospital were less likely to recover without complications (Unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12–0.43). A sub-analysis among patients who received antivenom revealed that antivenom dose, time to antivenom administration, and antivenom cost were all significantly associated with likelihood of recovery without complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that some patient characteristics may contribute to poor outcomes among paediatric snakebite patients in Northeastern Nigeria. It demonstrated the increased risk of complications among those presenting to hospital more than four hours after being bitten, those without timely antivenom administration, and those who paid for antivenom. We hereby recommend increased awareness and health education on early presentation after snakebites.