Inside Pediatrics Spring 2023

and studies new approaches and protocols in snakebite. They and their team are pioneering new methods that have resulted in greater peace of mind for patients and doctors alike.

“This is the nation’s very first comprehensive snakebite program,” said Shapshak, who also runs the UAB Comprehensive Wound Care Clinic, where he specializes in treating persistent wounds and swelling, using techniques that he says can make the difference between lifelong complications and a full recovery. The snakebite clinic provided follow-up treatment after snake envenomation to 17 patients in 2021. The Comprehensive Snakebite Program uses lower doses of antivenom and has shorter patient stays than many other hospitals, typically discharging patients in less than 24 hours. Follow-up visits to the snakebite clinic are now offered to any patient whose care triggers a call to APIC, regardless of insurance status.

COMPREHENSIVE SNAKEBITE PROGRAM

C

d

p

a

c

L

n

r

E

i

a

I

s

e

u

T

N

r

t

h

I

s

o

e

t

I

B

w

a l

e

C

E

x

c

p e r

K

T

s i

E

a

i

g

r

s

h

S N A

m

o

t

p

l

s

y

a

o

A M

t

c

c

h

s

i

i

p

s

x

t

o

s

t

The Comprehensive Snakebite Program is staffed by toxicologists, wound-care experts, pharmacists and physical therapists. It cares for adults and children as young as 5 years old.

“We will keep seeing people as long as they have persistent wounds and swelling,” Rushton said. “What we’re doing is cutting-edge. No one else is thinking this deeply about snakebites and follow-up.”

“Leaving the hospital after a snake envenomation experience can create a sense of ‘now what?’” Atti said. “Many patients find their questions unanswered, including, ‘Do I elevate my limb? Do I do physical therapy? How long will the swelling last?’ and ‘When can I get back to work?’ I believe that having a place to follow up with snake envenomation experts provides comfort to patients that they are not on their own when they leave the hospital.”

5