@article{103714,
  keywords = {Clinical characteristics, Treatment, Snakebite envenoming, Vietnam, demographics},
  author = {Truong Q and Rae J and Nguyen P and Nguyen T and Vo V and May J and Krumkamp R and Dang T and Blessmann J and Kreuels B},
  title = {The disease that bites - an assessment of demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment practices of patients with snakebite envenoming across Vietnam.},
  abstract = {<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong></p>

<p>Snakebite envenoming presents a significant burden to the health care system in Vietnam. However, data on snakebite-related hospital visits and the availability of antivenom across the country remain scarce. Furthermore, details on clinical presentation, responsible snakes, and treatment practices are lacking.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong></p>

<p>In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we collected data on snakebite-related visits and antivenom availability in major hospitals across 40 provinces from 2018 to 2022 and analysed a subset of patients' files. We displayed the geographical distribution of snakebite-related visits, available antivenoms, and responsible snake species across Vietnam, described the clinical presentations of envenoming, and assessed the appropriateness of treatment practices.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong></p>

<p>We recorded 23 877 snakebite-related visits from 2018 to 2022. Antivenom was available in 29 of 62 (46.8%) hospitals, more commonly in the southern provinces. In 2024 patient files, signs of haemotoxic envenoming and neurotoxic envenoming were recorded in 445 (22.0%) and 59 (2.9%) patients, respectively. The most frequently recorded snake genera were Trimeresurus and Naja. Antivenom was administered to 434 (33.9%) of the 1280 patients from antivenom-equipped hospitals. Ancillary treatments were commonly used: 1076 (53.1%) patients received antibiotics, and 940 (46.4%) received corticosteroids. In-hospital mortality was low at 0.3% and was mainly due to neurotoxic envenoming.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong></p>

<p>We recorded a considerable number of snakebite-related visits in participating hospitals; however, antivenom availability was limited, and treatment practices were often inappropriate. Improving access to antivenom and updating national guidelines are essential to further reduce morbidity and mortality of snakebite in Vietnam.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Journal of global health},
  volume = {16},
  pages = {1 - 13},
  month = {06/2026},
  issn = {2047-2986},
  url = {https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13306317/pdf/jogh-16-04225.pdf},
  doi = {10.7189/jogh.16.04225},
  language = {ENG},
}